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Abstract:

An accessory system for a vehicle includes a mounting element and a
module. The mounting element includes an attachment portion that is
configured for attachment of the mounting element at a vehicle
windshield. The mounting element may be configured for attachment of an
interior rearview mirror assembly thereto. The mounting element may be
configured for accommodating an accessory at least when the mounting
element is attached at the vehicle windshield. The module is configured
for attachment to the mounting element when the mounting element is
attached at the vehicle windshield. The module accommodates a camera, and
the module includes structure that orients the field of view of the
camera with respect to the vehicle windshield when the module is attached
to the mounting element.

Claims:

1. An accessory system for a vehicle, said vehicular accessory system
comprising: a mounting element; wherein said mounting element comprises
an attachment portion that is configured for attachment of said mounting
element at a vehicle windshield; wherein said mounting element is
configured for attachment of an interior rearview mirror assembly
thereto; wherein said mounting element is configured for accommodating an
accessory at least when said mounting element is attached at the vehicle
windshield; a module configured for attachment to said mounting element
when said mounting element is attached at the vehicle windshield; and
wherein said module accommodates a camera, and wherein said module
comprises structure that orients the field of view of said camera with
respect to the vehicle windshield when said module is attached to said
mounting element.

2. The vehicular accessory system of claim 1, comprising an interior
rearview mirror assembly, and wherein, with said mounting element
attached at the vehicle windshield, said interior rearview mirror
assembly is mounted at said mounting element.

3. The vehicular accessory system of claim 2, wherein said configuration
of said mounting element for attachment of said interior rearview mirror
assembly thereto comprises a mirror mounting button.

4. The vehicular accessory system of claim 1, wherein said configuration
of said mounting element for attachment of an interior rearview mirror
assembly thereto comprises a mirror mounting button.

5. The vehicular accessory system of claim 1, wherein said accessory
comprises a rain sensor.

6. The vehicular accessory system of claim 1, wherein said attachment
portion of said mounting element is configured to mount to an attachment
element that is adhered to the vehicle windshield.

7. The vehicular accessory system of claim 1, wherein said attachment
portion of said mounting element is configured to adhesively mount to the
vehicle windshield.

9. The vehicular accessory system of claim 1, wherein a lens of said
camera is spaced from the vehicle windshield when said module is mounted
to said mounting element attached at the vehicle windshield.

10. The vehicular accessory system of claim 1, wherein said structure of
said module angles the field of view of said camera with respect to the
vehicle windshield to at least partially compensate for the windshield
angle of the vehicle windshield itself.

11. The vehicular accessory system of claim 10, wherein a principal axis
of the forward field of view of said camera is directed generally at or
below horizontal when said module is mounted to said mounting element
attached at the vehicle windshield.

12. The vehicular accessory system of claim 1, wherein said module is
detachably mounted to said mounting element.

13. The vehicular accessory system of claim 1, wherein said camera is
associated with at least one of (i) a headlamp control system, (ii) a
lane departure warning system, (iii) an adaptive cruise control system,
(iv) a sign recognition system, (v) a night vision system, (vi) a
pedestrian detection system, (vii) a vehicle detection system and (viii)
a crash avoidance system.

14. The vehicular accessory system of claim 1, wherein said module
comprises cooling means to assist in cooling said camera when said module
is mounted to said mounting element attached at the vehicle windshield.

15. The vehicular accessory system of claim 1, wherein said module
includes a light transmitting port, and wherein said camera is generally
aligned with said light transmitting port with its forward field of view
through said light transmitting port.

16. The vehicular accessory system of claim 1, wherein said module is
configured to snap attach to said mounting element attached at the
vehicle windshield.

17. The vehicular accessory system of claim 1, wherein said module
comprises a detachable cover.

18. The vehicular accessory system of claim 17, wherein said detachable
cover is detachable to access said camera with said module attached to
said mounting element.

19. The vehicular accessory system of claim 1, wherein said module is
configured to accommodate at least one accessory.

20. The vehicular accessory system of claim 19, wherein said at least one
accessory comprises at least one of (i) another camera, (ii) a rain
sensor, (iii) a headlamp control, (iv) a temperature sensor, (v) an
antenna, (vi) a microphone, (vii) a speaker, (viii) a security system,
(ix) a display, (x) an indicator, (xi) a user input, (xii) an interior
light, (xiii) a GPS control, (xiv) a humidity sensor, (xv) a compass
sensor, (xvi) an electrochromic mirror control, (xvii) a remote keyless
entry control and (xviii) a toll collection control.

21. An accessory system for a vehicle, said vehicular accessory system
comprising: a mounting element; wherein said mounting element comprises
an attachment portion that is configured for attachment of said mounting
element at a vehicle windshield, and wherein said attachment portion of
said mounting element is configured to adhesively mount to the vehicle
windshield; wherein said mounting element comprises a metallic mounting
element; wherein said mounting element is configured for accommodating an
accessory at least when said mounting element is attached at the vehicle
windshield; a module configured for attachment to said mounting element
when said mounting element is attached at the vehicle windshield; and
wherein said module accommodates a camera, and wherein said module
comprises structure that orients the field of view of said camera with
respect to the vehicle windshield when said module is attached to said
mounting element.

22. The vehicular accessory system of claim 21, wherein said mounting
element is configured for attachment of an interior rearview mirror
assembly thereto and wherein said configuration of said mounting element
for attachment of said interior rearview mirror assembly thereto
comprises a mirror mounting button, and wherein said vehicular accessory
system comprises an interior rearview mirror assembly, and wherein, with
said mounting element attached at the vehicle windshield, said interior
rearview mirror assembly is mounted at said mirror mounting button.

23. The vehicular accessory system of claim 21, wherein said accessory
comprises a rain sensor.

24. The vehicular accessory system of claim 21, wherein a lens of said
camera is spaced from the vehicle windshield when said module is mounted
to said mounting element attached at the vehicle windshield, and wherein
said structure of said module angles the field of view of said camera
with respect to the vehicle windshield to at least partially compensate
for the windshield angle of the vehicle windshield itself, and wherein a
principal axis of the forward field of view of said camera is directed
generally at or below horizontal when said module is mounted to said
mounting element attached at the vehicle windshield, wherein said camera
is associated with at least one of (i) a headlamp control system, (ii) a
lane departure warning system, (iii) an adaptive cruise control system,
(iv) a sign recognition system, (v) a night vision system, (vi) a
pedestrian detection system, (vii) a vehicle detection system and (viii)
a crash avoidance system.

25. The vehicular accessory system of claim 21, wherein said module
includes a light transmitting port, and wherein said camera is generally
aligned with said light transmitting port with its forward field of view
through said light transmitting port.

26. The vehicular accessory system of claim 21, wherein said module
comprises a detachable cover, and wherein said detachable cover is
detachable to access said camera with said module attached to said
mounting element.

27. The vehicular accessory system of claim 21, wherein said module is
configured to accommodate at least one accessory and wherein said at
least one accessory comprises at least one of (i) another camera, (ii) a
rain sensor, (iii) a headlamp control, (iv) a temperature sensor, (v) an
antenna, (vi) a microphone, (vii) a speaker, (viii) a security system,
(ix) a display, (x) an indicator, (xi) a user input, (xii) an interior
light, (xiii) a GPS control, (xiv) a humidity sensor, (xv) a compass
sensor, (xvi) an electrochromic mirror control, (xvii) a remote keyless
entry control and (xviii) a toll collection control.

28. An accessory system for a vehicle, said vehicular accessory system
comprising: a mounting element; wherein said mounting element comprises
an attachment portion that is configured for attachment of said mounting
element at a vehicle windshield; wherein said mounting element is
configured for accommodating an accessory at least when said mounting
element is attached at the vehicle windshield; a module configured for
attachment to said mounting element when said mounting element is
attached at the vehicle windshield; wherein said module accommodates a
camera, and wherein said module comprises structure that orients the
field of view of said camera with respect to the vehicle windshield when
said module is attached to said mounting element; wherein a lens of said
camera is spaced from the vehicle windshield when said module is mounted
to said mounting element attached at the vehicle windshield; wherein said
structure of said module angles the field of view of said camera with
respect to the vehicle windshield to at least partially compensate for
the windshield angle of the vehicle windshield itself; and wherein said
camera is associated with at least one of (i) a headlamp control system,
(ii) a lane departure warning system, (iii) an adaptive cruise control
system, (iv) a sign recognition system, (v) a night vision system, (vi) a
pedestrian detection system, (vii) a vehicle detection system and (viii)
a crash avoidance system.

29. The vehicular accessory system of claim 28, wherein at least one of
(a) said attachment portion of said mounting element is configured to
mount to an attachment element that is adhered to the vehicle windshield,
(b) wherein said attachment portion of said mounting element is
configured to adhesively mount to the vehicle windshield, and (c) wherein
said mounting element comprises a metallic mounting element.

30. The vehicular accessory system of claim 28, wherein at least one of
(a) a principal axis of the forward field of view of said camera is
directed generally at or below horizontal when said module is mounted to
said mounting element attached at the vehicle windshield, and (b) said
module includes a light transmitting port, and wherein said camera is
generally aligned with said light transmitting port with its forward
field of view through said light transmitting port.

31. The vehicular accessory system of claim 28, wherein said mounting
element is configured for attachment of an interior rearview mirror
assembly thereto and wherein said configuration of said mounting element
for attachment of said interior rearview mirror assembly thereto
comprises a minor mounting button, and wherein said vehicular accessory
system comprises an interior rearview mirror assembly, and wherein, with
said mounting element attached at the vehicle windshield, said interior
rearview mirror assembly is mounted at said mirror mounting button.

32. The vehicular accessory system of claim 28, wherein said accessory
comprises a rain sensor.

33. An accessory system for a vehicle, said vehicular accessory system
comprising: a mounting element; wherein said mounting element comprises
an attachment portion that is configured for attachment of said mounting
element at a vehicle windshield; wherein at least one of (a) said
attachment portion of said mounting element is configured to mount to an
attachment element that is adhered to the vehicle windshield, (b) wherein
said attachment portion of said mounting element is configured to
adhesively mount to the vehicle windshield, and (c) wherein said mounting
element comprises a metallic mounting element; a module configured for
attachment to said mounting element when said mounting element is
attached at the vehicle windshield; wherein said module accommodates a
camera, and wherein said module comprises structure that orients the
field of view of said camera with respect to the vehicle windshield when
said module is attached to said mounting element; wherein a lens of said
camera is spaced from the vehicle windshield when said module is mounted
to said mounting element attached at the vehicle windshield; wherein at
least one of (a) a principal axis of the forward field of view of said
camera is directed generally at or below horizontal when said module is
mounted to said mounting element attached at the vehicle windshield, and
(b) said module includes a light transmitting port, and wherein said
camera is generally aligned with said light transmitting port with its
forward field of view through said light transmitting port; and wherein
said camera is associated with at least one of (i) a headlamp control
system, (ii) a lane departure warning system, (iii) an adaptive cruise
control system, (iv) a sign recognition system, (v) a night vision
system, (vi) a pedestrian detection system, (vii) a vehicle detection
system and (viii) a crash avoidance system.

34. The vehicular accessory system of claim 33, wherein said mounting
element is configured for accommodating an accessory at least when said
mounting element is attached at the vehicle windshield.

35. The vehicular accessory system of claim 34, wherein said accessory
comprises a rain sensor.

36. The vehicular accessory system of claim 33, wherein said mounting
element is configured for attachment of an interior rearview mirror
assembly thereto and wherein said configuration of said mounting element
for attachment of said interior rearview mirror assembly thereto
comprises a mirror mounting button, and wherein said vehicular accessory
system comprises an interior rearview mirror assembly, and wherein, with
said mounting element attached at the vehicle windshield, said interior
rearview mirror assembly is mounted at said mirror mounting button.

37. The vehicular accessory system of claim 33, wherein said structure of
said module angles the field of view of said camera with respect to the
vehicle windshield to at least partially compensate for the windshield
angle of the vehicle windshield itself.

[0002] The present invention relates generally to accessories useful for a
vehicle and, more particularly, to accessories used in windshield
electronic modules and interior rearview mirror assemblies.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Certain accessories of a vehicle, such as a rain sensor or imaging
sensor, typically are mounted tight against an interior surface of a
windshield or window. This is required in some cases to maintain a
desired distance between a light emitter/light sensor and the interior
surface of the windshield, and/or to optically couple the component to
the windshield, and/or to substantially seal the component at the
windshield to prevent dust, dirt, smoke or other contaminants from
affecting the component. In order to mount the accessories, it is
desirable to move the accessories generally perpendicular to the surface
of the window to avoid scratching of the window or the accessory by
sliding the accessory relative to the window. It may be difficult for
automobile assembly-line operators to mount such accessories onto, for
example, a mirror mounting button on the interior surface of the
windshield of a vehicle being assembled, since the assembly processes
require multiple operations at the vehicle assembly plant.

[0004] Many camera-based accessories used in vehicles today require
viewing through a window or windshield of the vehicle. The camera or
sensor may be a contacting type of sensor, where the sensor is in contact
with the interior surface of the windshield, or may be spaced from the
windshield. It is desired to provide a blacked out area or ceramic frit
region in areas where such accessories are mounted at the windshield, in
order to enhance the appearance of the vehicle. Therefore, an aperture or
port may have to be formed in the frit layer for the camera or image
sensor to be aligned with. However, the frit layer then may include the
port or aperture even for vehicles where the camera-based accessory is
not selected as an option. In order to provide an appropriate frit layer
for the camera-based accessory option, the vehicle manufacturer may need
to plan or design different frit layers for different options available
to the vehicle, which may result in a proliferation of windshields and
part numbers for the different optional accessories.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need in the art for an accessory module that
overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention is intended to provide an accessory module
which is readily mountable at an interior surface of a windshield of a
vehicle. The accessory module is mounted and preferably loaded to and
against the windshield to maintain close and tight coupling of
accessories within the module, such as a rain sensor, temperature sensor,
image sensor and/or the like. The accessory module may have a head
portion or accessory housing which is attached to or movably attached to
a base portion which is mountable at an interior surface of a vehicle
windshield.

[0007] According to an aspect of the present invention, an accessory
system for a vehicle comprises a vehicle windshield having a first
attachment member affixed thereto, an accessory module assembly
comprising a mounting portion and a head portion, and an interior
rearview mirror assembly. The mounting portion is configured to mount to
the first attachment member and extends generally upward when Mounted to
the first attachment member. The mounting portion has a second attachment
member. The head portion is at an upper portion of the mounting portion
and extends generally horizontally and rearwardly from the upper portion
with respect to the vehicle when the mounting portion is mounted to the
first attachment member. The head portion comprises electronic circuitry
for at least one accessory. The interior rearview mirror assembly
comprises a mirror casing and a reflective element, and is mountable to
the second attachment member. The head portion of the accessory module
assembly extends from the upper portion of the mounting portion generally
above the mirror casing. The head portion is at least one of viewable and
user accessible above the mirror casing when the mirror assembly is
mounted to the second attachment member.

[0008] The head portion may be movably attached to the upper portion of
the mounting portion and may be movable relative to the mounting portion.
The head portion may be pivotally mounted to the upper portion of the
mounting portion and may be pivotable sidewardly relative to the mounting
portion about a generally vertical pivot axis to adjust the angle of the
accessory housing with respect to the driver of the vehicle, and/or may
be pivotable upwardly and downwardly relative to the mounting portion
about a generally horizontal pivot axis to adjust the angle of the
accessory housing with respect to the driver of the vehicle.

[0009] The head portion may be articulatably mounted to the upper portion
of the mounting portion and may be articulatable relative to the mounting
portion about a pivot axis, wherein the pivot axis comprises a generally
horizontal pivot axis when the mounting portion is mounted to the first
attachment member. The head portion may be articulatable between a
mounting orientation or folded orientation, where the head portion is
positioned to be generally along the mounting portion, and an in-use
orientation or non-folded orientation, where the head portion extends
generally horizontally and rearwardly from the upper portion with respect
to the vehicle when the mounting portion is mounted to the first
attachment member. The head portion may be articulatable to the mounting
orientation to facilitate mounting of the accessory module assembly to
the first mirror attachment member. The head portion may extend generally
horizontally and rearwardly with respect to the vehicle and generally
above the mirror casing when the mounting portion is mounted to the first
attachment member and when the head portion is in the in-use orientation
and when the interior rearview mirror assembly is mounted to the second
mounting member. The accessory module assembly may comprise a biasing
element which biases the head portion toward the in-use orientation
relative to the mounting portion.

[0010] Optionally, the head portion may comprise a display element and/or
a use input device associated with the accessory. The display element
and/or user input device may be viewable and/or user accessible above the
mirror casing when the mirror assembly is mounted to the second
attachment member.

[0011] Optionally, the at least one accessory may comprise at least two
accessories. The accessories of the head portion may at least comprise a
compass sensor and a compass display, or a microphone and a user input
device (where the accessory module may provide a vehicular
telecommunication function and/or a telephonic function), or a user input
device and a garage door opener device (where the garage door opener
device is operable to actuate a garage door opener for opening a garage
door) or the like.

[0012] According to another aspect of the present invention, an accessory
system for a vehicle comprises a vehicle windshield having a first
attachment member affixed thereto, an accessory module assembly
comprising a mounting portion and a head portion, and an interior
rearview mirror assembly. The mounting portion is configured to mount to
the first attachment member and to extend generally upward when mounted
to the first attachment member. The mounting portion has a second
attachment member. The head portion is pivotally attached to the mounting
portion and houses electronic circuitry of at least one accessory. The
interior rearview mirror assembly comprises a mirror casing and a
reflective element and is mountable to the second attachment member. The
head portion of the accessory module assembly extends from the mounting
portion generally above the mirror casing, such that the head portion is
viewable and/or user accessible above the mirror casing when the mirror
assembly is mounted to the second attachment member.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present invention, an accessory
system for a vehicle comprises a vehicle windshield having an attachment
member affixed thereto, an accessory module assembly and an interior
rearview mirror assembly. The accessory module assembly comprises a
mounting portion for mounting the accessory module assembly to the
attachment member, and a head portion for housing electronic circuitry
associated with at least one accessory. The head portion is articulatably
mounted to the mounting portion and is articulatable relative to the
mounting portion between a folded orientation, wherein the head portion
is folded generally along the mounting portion, and a non-folded
orientation, wherein the head portion extends generally from the mounting
portion. The interior rearview mirror assembly comprises a mirror casing
and a reflective element, and is mountable to the mounting portion of the
accessory module assembly.

[0014] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, an
accessory module assembly includes a loading element/device, which
functions generally to move and load the accessory module or a housing of
the accessory module toward and against the windshield in a generally
perpendicular motion with respect to the interior surface of the
windshield. The loading device loads the accessory module against the
windshield to maintain a tight and close interface between the accessory
module and the windshield.

[0015] The accessory module may comprise a mounting portion which is
attachable at a windshield portion of the vehicle and a housing for
housing at least one accessory. The loading device or loading element may
be configured to load the housing toward and against the windshield along
the mounting portion in a generally perpendicular motion with respect to
the interior surface of the windshield.

[0016] In one form, the loading device includes a ratcheting device which
ratchets the accessory module toward engagement with the windshield. The
ratcheting device may include a plurality of teeth or the like on
corresponding portions of a body of the accessory module and an extender,
which may mount to and extend from a mirror mounting button on a
windshield. The corresponding teeth provide ratcheting of the module body
toward and against the windshield, while also substantially limiting or
precluding movement of the module body away from the windshield.

[0017] In another form, the loading device may include a pivotable hinge
device which pivots the accessory module body toward engagement with the
windshield.

[0018] The accessory module of the present invention may include one or
more accessories and controls and may include a display, indicator and/or
user interface buttons or switches or the like. The accessory module may
include an electrical connection to the vehicle power and controls. The
electrical connection may be connected during ratcheting or loading of
the accessory module toward and against the windshield, such as via a
snap connection, press contact or other means of connecting electrical
components within the accessory module to the electrical system of the
vehicle.

[0019] The accessory module may also include an electrical connector for
connecting the electrical components or circuitry of the mirror head as
the mirror head is mounted to the accessory module. The accessory module
may include a pin connector or the like extending through and from a ball
member, such that electrical connection is made as the mirror head is
snapped or otherwise secured to the ball member.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present invention, an accessory
module for a vehicle comprises a housing for housing at least one
accessory of the vehicle and a pivotable hinge device positionable at a
headliner portion of the vehicle. The housing is pivotably mounted at the
pivotable hinge device, which is configured to pivot the housing toward
and into engagement with a windshield of the vehicle. The hinge device is
configured to substantially lock the housing into engagement with the
windshield.

[0021] The accessory module may include a mirror attachment member at the
housing for attaching an interior rearview mirror assembly when the
housing is substantially locked into engagement with the windshield. The
accessory module may also include an electrical connector for connecting
to at least one electrical component or circuitry of the interior
rearview mirror assembly. The electrical connector may connect the at
least one electrical component or circuitry of the interior rearview
mirror assembly as the interior rearview mirror assembly is mounted to
the mirror attachment member.

[0022] The hinge device may be biased to urge the housing toward and
against the windshield. The hinge device may comprise a spring-loaded
hinge device, which urges and substantially locks the housing toward and
into engagement with the windshield.

[0023] Therefore, the present invention provides an accessory module which
is readily installed and/or loaded against the windshield of the vehicle.
The accessory module is mounted to the windshield via connection to a
standard attachment member, such as a mounting button, at the windshield,
and then urged or loaded against the windshield via generally
perpendicular movement of the accessory module toward the vehicle. The
accessory module thus provides an attachment element which is familiar
and readily acceptable to an assembly plant operator. Also, the accessory
module of the present invention may provide for a deproliferation of part
numbers at a vehicle assembly plant, since fewer part numbers for the
interior rearview mirror assemblies may be needed. For vehicles with
different accessories selected, a different assembly module may be
mounted to the mounting attachment or button at the windshield.

[0024] Also, the accessory module or accessory module assembly of the
present invention provides a head portion which may extend generally
rearwardly from a mounting portion mounted to the vehicle and may extend
generally above the rearview mirror when the rearview mirror is mounted
to the mounting portion, such that the head portion is viewable and/or
user accessible generally above the rearview mirror. The head portion may
be movably or pivotally or articulatably mounted to the base or mounting
portion, which is mountable to a mounting member or button at the
windshield. The head portion may pivot or articulate to facilitate
installation of the base portion arid accessory module assembly to the
mounting member, whereby the head portion may unfold or pivot to extend
generally rearwardly from the base portion and generally above the mirror
assembly. The accessory module thus may enhance the assembly or
installation process for the accessory module to the vehicle windshield
at the vehicle assembly plant. The accessory module may include a head
portion which is selected to provide the desired accessory, accessories,
function or functions and a common mounting portion or base.

[0025] These and other objects, advantages, purposes and features of the
present invention will become apparent upon review of the specification
in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] FIG. 1 is a side elevation and partial sectional of an interior
rearview mirror assembly and accessory module in accordance with the
present invention;

[0027]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a mirror mounting button on an
interior surface of a window;

[0028] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an extension of the present
invention as mounted on the button of FIG. 2;

[0029]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a mirror mount on the extension of
FIG. 3;

[0030] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an accessory module body in
accordance with the present invention on the extension of FIGS. 3 and 4;

[0031] FIG. 6 is a side elevation of the accessory module of FIG. 5, with
an interior rearview mirror mounted to the mirror mount in accordance
with the present invention;

[0032] FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along the line VII-VII in FIG. 5,
showing the accessory module as the module body is being moved along the
extension;

[0033] FIG. 8 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 7, showing the accessory
module body mounted to the extension and loaded against the window;

[0034] FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along the line IX-IX in FIG. 5,
showing an image sensor mounted within the accessory module;

[0035] FIG. 10 is a lower plan view of an accessory module of the present
invention similar to the accessory module of FIGS. 5-9;

[0036] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of examples of accessories and functions
of an accessory module in accordance with the present invention;

[0037] FIGS. 12A and 12B are side elevation and partial sectional views of
an alternate embodiment of the accessory module of the present invention;

[0038] FIGS. 12C and 12D are front elevations of alternate embodiments of
the accessory module and mirror assembly of FIGS. 12A and 12B, as looking
forwardly with respect to the vehicle;

[0039] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another alternate embodiment of an
accessory module in accordance with the present invention;

[0040] FIG. 14 is a side elevation and partial sectional view of an
alternate embodiment of an accessory module in accordance with the
present invention, which is pivotable into engagement with the
windshield;

[0041] FIG. 15 is a side elevation and partial sectional view of another
alternate embodiment of an accessory module in accordance with the
present invention, which is pivotable into engagement with the
windshield;

[0042] FIG. 16 is a lower plan view of the accessory module of FIG. 15;

[0043] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of another alternate embodiment of an
accessory module in accordance with the present invention which extends
along a headliner of the vehicle;

[0044] FIG. 18 is a side sectional view of another alternate embodiment of
an accessory module in accordance with the present invention;

[0045] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a platform for mounting electrical
circuit boards or other electrical connections suitable for use with the
present invention;

[0046] FIG. 20 is a sectional view of another alternate embodiment of an
accessory module in accordance with the present invention, with a
removable circuit board;

[0047] FIG. 21 is a sectional view of another alternate embodiment of an
accessory module in accordance with the present invention, with a
removable circuit board;

[0048]FIG. 22 is a perspective view of another alternate embodiment of an
accessory module in accordance with the present invention, with removable
or interchangeable side pods;

[0049] FIG. 23A is a perspective view of another alternate embodiment of
an accessory module in accordance with the present invention;

[0050] FIG. 23B is a sectional view of the accessory module taken along
the line B-B in FIG. 23A;

[0051] FIGS. 24A and 24B are perspective views of another accessory module
in accordance with the present invention;

[0052] FIGS. 25A-25C are perspective views of a mirror assembly mounted on
the accessory module of FIGS. 24A and 24B;

[0053] FIGS. 26A-26D are views of another accessory module in accordance
with the present invention;

[0054] FIG. 27 is a side elevation and partial sectional view of another
accessory module in accordance with the present invention;

[0055]FIG. 28 is a partial sectional view of an extender and fastener for
the accessory module of FIG. 27;

[0056] FIG. 29 is a forward facing view of the accessory module and
interior rearview mirror assembly of FIG. 27;

[0057] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a printed circuit board suitable
for use with the accessory module of FIGS. 27 and 29;

[0058] FIG. 31 is a top plan view of a vehicle incorporating the accessory
module of FIGS. 27-30;

[0059] FIG. 32 is a side elevation of the vehicle of FIG. 31;

[0060] FIG. 33 is a side elevation of another accessory module in
accordance with the present invention;

[0061] FIG. 34 is a side elevation of yet another accessory module in
accordance with the present invention;

[0062] FIG. 35A is a plan view of a windshield button useful with an
accessory module of the present invention;

[0063] FIG. 35B is a side elevation of the windshield button of FIG. 35A;

[0064] FIG. 36 is a side elevation and partial sectional view of a mount
extension of the present invention adapted to mount on the windshield
button of FIGS. 35A and 35B;

[0065] FIGS. 37A and 37B are a side view and a top view of another
mounting button useful with an accessory module of the present invention;

[0066] FIGS. 38A and 38B are perspective views of a mount extension and
button of an accessory module in accordance with the present invention;

[0067] FIG. 38C is a side elevation and partial sectional view of the
accessory module of FIGS. 38A and 38B;

[0068] FIG. 38D is a sectional view taken along the line D-D in FIG. 38C;

[0069] FIGS. 39A and 39B are a plan view and a side view of another
mounting button useful with an accessory module of the present invention;

[0070] FIGS. 40A and 40B are a plan view and a side view of a mount
extension of the present invention adapted to mount on the windshield
button of FIGS. 39A and 39B;

[0071] FIG. 41 is a partial sectional view of the retaining tab of the
mount extension of FIGS. 40A and 40B as mounted on the button of FIGS.
39A and 39B;

[0072]FIG. 42A is a plan view of another mounting button useful with an
accessory module of the present invention;

[0073] FIG. 42B is a sectional view of a retaining tab or hook of the
button taken along the line B-B in FIG. 42A;

[0074] FIGS. 43A and 43B are a plan view and a side view of a mount
extension of the present invention adapted to mount to the button of FIG.
42A;

[0075] FIG. 43C is a sectional view taken along the line C-C in FIG. 43B;

[0076] FIG. 44 is a side and partial sectional view of the retaining tab
of the button of FIGS. 42A and 42B and the spring and hook of the mount
extension of FIGS. 43A-C, as retained together;

[0077] FIGS. 45A and 45B are a plan view and a side view of a windshield
mounting member with an extension at an end thereof having a mounting
button for a mirror;

[0078] FIGS. 46A-C are a plan view, a side view and an end view of a
mounting button useful with an accessory module of the present invention;

[0079] FIGS. 47A and 47B are an end view and a side view of a mount
extension of the present invention adapted to mount to the mounting
button of FIGS. 46A-C;

[0080] FIG. 48 is a side elevation and partial sectional view of the
retaining tabs or hooks of the mounting button of FIGS. 46A-C and the
mount extension of FIGS. 47A and 47B, as retained together;

[0081] FIGS. 49A and 49B are a plan view and a side view of a mounting
button useful with an accessory module of the present invention;

[0082] FIGS. 50A and 50B are a plan view and a side view of a mount
extension of the present invention adapted to mount to the mounting
button of FIGS. 49A and 49B;

[0083] FIG. 51 is a plan view of a retainer for securing the mount
extension of FIGS. 50A and 50B to the button of FIGS. 49A and 49B;

[0084] FIGS. 52A and 52B are a plan view and a side view of a mounting
button arrangement for mounting an accessory module of the present
invention to the windshield;

[0085] FIG. 53 is a side elevation and sectional view of a mount extension
and accessory module of the present invention adapted for mounting to the
button arrangement of FIGS. 52A and 52B;

[0086] FIGS. 54A and 54B are a plan view and a side view of another
mounting button arrangement for mounting an accessory module of the
present invention to the windshield;

[0087] FIG. 55 is a side elevation and sectional view of a mount extension
and accessory module of the present invention adapted for mounting to the
button arrangement of FIGS. 54A and 54B;

[0088] FIGS. 56A and 56B are a plan view and a side view of another
mounting button arrangement for mounting an accessory module of the
present invention to the windshield;

[0089] FIG. 57 is a side elevation and sectional view of a mounting tab
for securing the accessory module to the button arrangement of FIGS. 56A
and 56B;

[0090] FIGS. 58A-D are perspective views of another accessory module in
accordance with the present invention;

[0091] FIG. 59 is a perspective view of another accessory module of the
present invention with an electrochromic mirror assembly mounted
thereto;,

[0092] FIG. 60 is a perspective view of another accessory module of the
present invention with a prismatic mirror assembly mounted thereto;

[0093] FIGS. 61A-I are perspective views of other embodiments of an
accessory module in accordance with the present invention;

[0094] FIGS. 62A and 62B are perspective views of an articulatable
accessory module of the present invention, with an interior rearview
mirror assembly attached thereto;

[0096] FIGS. 64A and 64B are perspective views of a base or mounting
portion useful with the articulatable accessory module of FIGS. 62A, 62B
and 63A-D;

[0097] FIG. 64C is a perspective view of a support or stiffening member
useful with the articulatable accessory module of FIGS. 62A, 62B and
63A-D;

[0098] FIG. 65 is a perspective view of another articulatable accessory
module in accordance with the present invention;

[0099] FIGS. 66A-C are plan views of an accessory housing for an accessory
module in accordance with the present invention;

[0100] FIGS. 67A-D are perspective, side and plan views of an accessory
mounting module of an accessory module in accordance with the present
invention; and

[0101] FIGS. 68A-F are plan and perspective views of the accessory module
and accessory housing and mounting module of FIGS. 66A-C and 67A-D.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0102] Referring now to the drawings and the illustrative embodiments
depicted therein, an accessory module 10 is mountable to and against a
windshield 12 and is positioned generally between an interior rearview
mirror assembly 14 and the windshield 12 (FIGS. 1 and 5-10). The
accessory module 10 is mounted toward and against an interior surface 12a
of the windshield in a manner which allows the body 10a of the accessory
module to move generally perpendicularly relative to the interior surface
12a and to be loaded against or biased toward and to the windshield, as
discussed in detail below, and such as disclosed in commonly assigned
U.S. provisional applications, Ser. No. 60/381,314, filed May 17, 2002 by
Schofield et al. for VEHICLE ACCESSORY MODULE; Ser. No. 60/374,724, filed
Apr. 23, 2002 by Schofield et al. for VEHICLE ACCESSORY MODULE; Ser. No.
60/364,008, filed Mar. 14, 2002 by Schofield for VEHICLE ACCESSORY
MODULE; and Ser. No. 60/350,965, filed Jan. 31, 2002 by Schofield for
VEHICLE ACCESSORY MODULE, which are all hereby incorporated herein by
reference. Accessory module 10 may include one or more accessories, such
as a rain sensor, a forward facing image sensor, a headlamp control, a
temperature sensor, an antenna, a microphone, a speaker, a rearward
facing image sensor, a security system, a display, indicators, user
interface buttons, switches or the like, interior lights, GPS controls, a
humidity sensor, a compass sensor, an electrochromic (EC) mirror control,
a remote keyless entry control, a toll collection control, and/or any
other accessories or controls of the vehicle, such as discussed below.

[0103] Accessory module 10 is mounted to the vehicle windshield and
includes an extender 16, which is mounted to and extends from a mounting
attachment 18 (such as a conventional mirror mounting button) at the
windshield 12. As shown in FIG. 2, mounting button 18 is bonded or
otherwise secured to interior surface 12a of windshield 12. A mounting
portion 16a of the extender 16 is, slid or otherwise moved into
engagement with the button 18. Extender 16 includes a second mounting
attachment or button 16b (FIG. 3) at its outer end for receiving a mirror
mount 20 thereon (FIG. 4). The button-on-button attachment may be similar
to the attachments disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,930,742, which is hereby
incorporated herein by reference. The extender 16 provides a rigid
extension of a mounting button from the interior surface of the
windshield for mounting the mirror assembly to the windshield.

[0104] Extender 16 provides a structural, load bearing connection between
the attachment member 18 and the mount 20 of the support arm 22 (FIG. 6)
of the mirror 14 (or the mount of the mirror, as shown in FIG. 1) that is
attachable to the accessory module. As such, extender 16 is preferably
fabricated of a rigid, load bearing material, such as a metallic material
or metal, such as a die cast metallic material, such as die cast zinc or
die cast aluminum or the like. Extender 16 may be a solid member, or may
include channels or passageways therealong, which may include a wireway
passage, such as for wirings to pass therethrough. The length of extender
16 is sufficient for the housing or body 10a of the accessory module to
slide over, but not so long as to create an excessive moment arm.
Preferably, the length of extender 16 is selected to be approximately 0.5
inches to 3.5 inches, more preferably, approximately 0.75 inches to 2.5
inches, and, most preferably, approximately one to two inches. The
extender 16 also provides structural support for the body of the
accessory module 10.

[0105] Extender 16 is formed and adapted to mount to a particular mounting
attachment member 18 at the windshield at one end of extender 16. The
opposite end of the extender 16 is formed as a replication of the
attachment member or button at the windshield of that particular vehicle.
The extender of the present invention thus provides a mounting attachment
member 16b for mounting a mirror mount thereto in the same manner as the
mirror mount would mount to the attachment member 18 at the windshield.
The extender may have some or all of the plastics of the accessory module
molded to the extender. Optionally, the extender may be die cast, such as
a die cast metal (preferably die cast zinc or die cast aluminum) or
otherwise formed, such as by molding of an engineering plastic, such as a
filled nylon engineering plastic or the like, and may be formed as a
structural skeleton member, without affecting the scope of the present
invention. A cover, such as a plastic or polymeric cover, may be snapped
or otherwise affixed or attached to the skeleton extender, without
affecting the scope of the present invention.

[0106] Advantageously, and for example, different extenders may be used to
adapt the accessory module for applications in different vehicles, such
as vehicles manufactured by different vehicle manufacturers. For example,
the extender may be die cast, such as in a metal die casting tool, which
requires significantly less tooling costs than molds or the like, such
that in order to adapt the accessory module for an application in another
vehicle line or manufacturer (where the mounting attachment member or
button may differ from one another), a new extender may be formed such
that the mounting portion 16a of the new extender accepts the button on
the new vehicle and the second mounting attachment member 103 matches or
substantially replicates the button of the other vehicle, while the body
10a of the module 10 remains the same or substantially the same. This
provides a low cost change to the module and allows for the same module
body to be used in different vehicles. Accordingly, a common accessory
module body may be sold to different vehicle manufacturers with an
appropriate extender combined with the body. This provides substantially
reduced costs for different applications, since new injection molding
tools are not required to mold a new accessory module body for each
application or vehicle line or vehicle manufacturer.

[0107] Optionally, such as for aftermarket applications, the extender may
be formed or die cast to have a mounting portion 16a for one vehicle
(such as, for example, a vehicle manufactured by Ford Motor Company), and
a mounting attachment member or button 16b for another vehicle (such as,
for example, a vehicle manufactured by General Motors Corporation or
Volkswagen or Audi or BMW). This allows a person in the aftermarket to
install the accessory module in the vehicle and to replace the mirror in
the vehicle with a mirror designed for a different vehicle.

[0108] As best shown in FIGS, 7 and 8, the body 10a of accessory module 10
is slid over and along extender 16 until a portion of the body 10a of
accessory module 10 is engaged with and loaded toward the interior
surface 12a of windshield 12. The mirror mount 20 is mounted to the
second attachment member 16b at the end of extender 16. Interior rearview
mirror 14 is pivotally mounted to a ball member 20a extending from mirror
mount 20 in a known manner. As shown in FIG. 6, interior rearview mirror
14 may include a pivotable mounting arm 22 which pivotally receives ball
member 20a therein. However, interior rearview mirror 14 may otherwise
pivotally receive ball member 20a in a socket (not shown) in the casing
24 of mirror 14, or may otherwise mount to the end of mirror mount 20 or
extender 16, without affecting the scope of the present invention.
Preferably, the mirror and accessory mounting components provide a
breakaway type connection or mount, such as the types disclosed in U.S.
Pat. Nos. 6,172,613; 6,087,953; 5,820,097; 5,377,949; and/or 5,330,149,
which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

[0109] The body 10a of accessory module 10 includes a structural member 26
and a cover 28, which together define a cavity 30 within accessory module
10 for mounting or receiving accessories therein. Structural member 26
includes a plate portion 32 and a mounting portion 34 extending from
plate portion 32. The mounting portion 34 of structural member 26
provides an opening or passageway 34a for receiving extender 16
therethrough. In the illustrated embodiment, mounting portion 34 includes
a plurality of teeth or projections 34b extending from at least a portion
of the mounting portion 34a, while extender 16 likewise includes a
plurality of teeth or projections 16c extending outwardly therefrom. The
corresponding teeth 34b, 16c engage one another as structural member 26
is pressed along extender 16 and toward windshield 12 to provide a
ratcheting of body 10a toward and against windshield 12. The teeth are
angled to allow for movement of body 10a along extender 16 toward the
windshield, yet substantially preclude movement of body 10a away from the
windshield, such that accessory module 10 is retained tightly or snugly
against the interior surface 12a of windshield 12.

[0110] Preferably, the teeth 34b are positioned along a flexible tab or
portion (not shown) of mounting portion 34 of structural member 26 to
allow the tab to be flexed radially outward and away from extender 16 to
allow for removal of body 10a of accessory module 10 from the windshield
for service, maintenance or replacement. Preferably, the tab or other
ratcheting or loading device may be accessible from the outer portion of
the module (such as at the second button 16b) to allow for easy release
of the ratcheting or loading device. The tab may be flexed using a
screwdriver or other tool inserted between the tab and extender 16 or via
any other means to disengage the tab from the extender. Although shown
and described as having a plurality of teeth engaging other teeth to
ratchet and retain the module body against the windshield, other means
for providing a generally perpendicular movement of the module body
toward and against the windshield may be implemented, such as a threaded
fastener retaining the module body to an extender or the like, without
affecting the scope of the present invention.

[0111] Preferably, structural member 26 includes a retaining tab 36 (FIGS.
7 and 8), which loads against the mounting button 18 to secure the joint
between the module and the button to minimize vibration of the module. In
the illustrated embodiment, the retaining tab 36 is biased toward the
button, such that as the structural member 26 is loaded against the
windshield, the retaining tab 36 loads and is biased against the mounting
button 18. Preferably, in order to further secure the accessory module to
the button 18, the housing or structural member may substantially encase
the extender 16, such that the housing or structural member closes over
the slotted portion of the mounting portion 16a of extender 16, which
allowed the extender to slide over the mounting button 18 on the
windshield 12. The extender 16 is thus substantially precluded from
sliding off from the mounting button 18.

[0112] The cover 28 and structural member 26 of module 10 may snap or
otherwise be secured together to define the cavity 30. Optionally, the
cover 28 may define the plate along the interior surface of the
windshield, such that the cover is attachable to the structural member at
each end of a mounting portion of a structural member positioned or
mounted around the extender. Optionally, as shown in FIG. 7, accessory
module 10 may include a sealing or cushioning member or strip 27 around
the plate or cover portion of the module to cushion and/or seal the body
10a of accessory module 10 at the interior surface 12a of windshield 12,
in order to limit or substantially preclude vibration or rattle between
the module and the windshield. The sealing or cushioning member may
comprise a soft material, such as an elastomeric material, such as a
thermoplastic rubber material, and may be sufficiently resilient and
dimensioned to provide a cushion between the module and the windshield
and may take on the form of the windshield to further seal and cushion
the accessory module at the windshield and to reduce noise and vibration
of the accessory module. The cushioning member may cushion the module
against the windshield and may take on the form of the windshield such
that the cushioning member functions to adapt the module to different
angles or curvatures of the windshield as the module is moved toward and
loaded against the windshield.

[0113] As shown in FIG. 7, accessory module 10 may include an accessory
38, such as a rain sensor (such as the type disclosed in commonly
assigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,320,176; 6,353,392 and 6,313,454, which are
hereby incorporated herein by reference), an image sensor (such as a
video camera, such as a CMOS imaging array sensor, a CCD sensor or the
like, such as the types disclosed in commonly assigned, U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,550,677; 6,097,023 and 5,796,094, which are hereby incorporated herein
by reference), a temperature sensor (such as a contact temperature sensor
for measuring the temperature at or of the windshield), an antenna, or
any other sensor or device which is desirable to mount in tight or close
engagement with the windshield. The accessory or sensor 38 protrudes
through an opening 32a in the plate 32 and may include a biasing member
or spring 40 which biases the accessory outward from accessory module 10
and toward windshield 12. Accordingly, as the accessory module is loaded
toward and against the windshield, the accessory 38 contacts the interior
surface 12a of the windshield 12 and is pressed against the surface via
biasing member 40, as shown in FIG. 8. The accessory 38 is thus optically
coupled or positively coupled to the windshield and retained in intimate
contact with the windshield. The accessory 38 may further include a
sealing member (not shown) around a circumference of the accessory to
engage the interior surface of the windshield and substantially seal the
accessory to that portion of the interior surface of the windshield to
protect that area of the windshield and the accessory from contaminants,
such as dirt, dust, smoke, moisture or the like from affecting the
performance of the accessory.

[0114] Although shown and described as coupling the accessory to or
loading the accessory against the windshield, the accessory module of the
present invention may alternately provide an accessory which is stood off
from or spaced from the windshield. Such an arrangement may be suitable
for an antenna or the like, since the antenna reception may be interfered
with by the windshield, which may comprise an electrically conductive
windshield or the like. The accessory module thus may provide a stand off
antenna location to limit or substantially preclude such interference.

[0115] As shown in FIG. 9, accessory module 10 may also or otherwise
include an accessory 42 which is desirable to be oriented in a generally
horizontal position or at a desired angle with respect to the windshield
or horizontal. Such an accessory may comprise a forward facing image
sensor or camera (preferably a video camera, such as a CMOS imaging array
sensor, a CCD sensor or the like, such as the types disclosed in commonly
assigned, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,550,677; 6,097,023 and 5,796,094, which are
hereby incorporated herein by reference) or a compass sensor or the like.
The forward facing image sensor may be useful in an optical rain sensor,
such as the types disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,353,392; 6,320,176 and
6,313,454, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference, a headlamp
control system, a lane departure detection or warning system, such as the
types described in U.S. provisional applications, Ser. No. 60/433,700,
filed Dec. 16, 2002, and Ser. No. 60/377,524, filed May 3, 2002, which
are hereby incorporated herein by reference, an adaptive cruise control
system, a sign recognition system and warning system, a night vision
system, a pedestrian detection system, a vehicle classification
identification system, a vehicle compatibility detection system, a
pre-crash avoidance system, an emergency response image capture system,
an environmental detection system (such as for detecting rain, fog, or
the like), an ambient light level detection system, a vehicle relative
position (such as for detecting the roll, yaw or the like of the
vehicle), a compass calibration system (where the image captured from the
image sensor is monitored to determine changes in direction of the
vehicle to track the direction the vehicle is heading), a GPS system
(where the image captured from the image sensor is monitored to determine
the location of the vehicle when a signal from the GPS satellite(s) is
interrupted), an electronic toll collection system, or any other system,
without affecting the scope of the present invention.

[0116] Preferably, accessory module 10 includes a mounting device 44 for
such an accessory 42, which is adjustable to set the accessory 42 to be
horizontal or to be at the desired angle regardless of the angle of the
windshield to which accessory module 10 is loaded. Mounting device 44
provides a mounting platform or structure 44a for securing accessory 42
within cavity 30 of body 10a of accessory module 10. Mounting device 44
may be positioned at and partially through an opening 32b of plate 32 to
provide a passageway from accessory 42 to the windshield 12.

[0117] The mounting device 44 may be adjustable relative to the structural
plate or member 32 or to the housing 28 of accessory module 10 to align
or orient the accessory 42 at the desired orientation. For example, the
mounting device 44 may include a spherical member or ball joint (not
shown) which allows for rotation or pivotal movement of the accessory 42
relative to housing 28 or plate 32 of accessory module 10 into the proper
alignment or orientation (such as via rotation or pivotal movement of a
portion of the platform 44a). Mounting device 44 may include an outer
sealing member 44b which engages and seals against the interior surface
12a of windshield 12 to provide a sealed chamber 44c in which the
accessory 42 is positioned. The ball joint may also include a wiping seal
along the spherical member to seal the chamber 44c. The sealing members
limit or substantially preclude dirt, dust, moisture, smoke or other
contaminants from contacting or otherwise affecting the operation of
accessory 42 of accessory module 10.

[0118] Although it is desirable to substantially seal an accessory within
the accessory module, it may, in some cases, be desirable to provide a
ventilation element, such as a ventilation passage, such as an air
passage between the interior surface of the windshield and the component
or a surface of the component closest to the windshield, in order to
provide cooling of the accessory via air flow through the passage.
Accordingly, the accessory module of the present invention may include
such a passageway along the interfacing surface against the windshield.
The surface(s) of the accessory module facing the windshield may include
heat dissipating elements, such as, for example, heat dissipaters, fins
or the like.

[0119] Many electronic components are rated at a high temperature from a
stationary soak application. However, such components may not function in
an optimal manner when at these higher temperatures. Optionally, forced
cooling may be provided to the accessories or components of the accessory
module, such as by a fan or the like (preferably, a low current fan, a
solar powered fan or the like) to rapidly cool the accessories or
components of the accessory module. The forced cooling element may be
activated when the ignition of the vehicle is activated and then time out
or deactivate a period of time following activation. The forced cooling
element thus functions to rapidly lower the temperature of the components
or accessories, so that they may function optimally, even after prolonged
soaking in extreme temperatures, such as while the vehicle has been
parked, such as on a sunny day.

[0120] Optionally, a surface of the accessory module closest to the
windshield may be treated, such as by a deposition, painting, film,
adhesive coating or the like, to provide a reflecting characteristic to
the module, so as to reflect infrared radiation or the like which the
module may be exposed to at the windshield. The air passage and/or
treatment may thus reduce the effects of sun loading or thermal loading
on the accessory module.

[0121] Accessory module 10 may further include electrical connections for
any electrical components within accessory module 10 or at or within
mirror 14. For example, the mounting button 18 and/or second button 16b
may include electrical contacts which engage corresponding contacts at
the mounting portion 16a of extender 16 and/or mirror mount 20,
respectively, as the mounting portions are slid onto the buttons, such
that electrical signals are provided to accessory module 10 and/or to
mirror 14 via the contacts. The mounting button 18 may be electrically
connected to a power source of the vehicle or other electrical system or
the like via an electrical connector or wiring harness or via contacting
a conductor at the windshield, such as a conductor which is integral with
the glass of the windshield or deposited on the interior surface of the
windshield and which is connected to the vehicle power source or other
electrical system of the vehicle. The mirror mount 20 may then include an
electrical connector or wiring which extends through an opening or
passageway (not shown) in ball member 20a and into the housing 24 of
mirror 14 for connection to electrical components or circuitry within
housing 24. The electrical connector may extend from the ball member and
be sufficiently rigid to provide a snap connection or the like to a
corresponding connector positioned within housing 24 as housing 24 is
snapped or otherwise secured to ball member 20a.

[0122] Optionally, the electrical connections to accessory module 10 may
be provided via other means, such as other sliding means, rotating
contacts, screw or fasteners (such as tightening of a screw at the button
to make an electrical contact or connection), or plug type connectors or
contacts (such as an electrical contact of a spring loaded contact on the
housing contacting a conductor at the windshield, such as a conductor
which is integral with the glass of the windshield or deposited on the
interior surface of the windshield), such that the accessory module makes
its electrical connections as the body 10a is ratcheted or loaded against
the windshield. Also, the electrical connections to the mirror 14 may be
provided via other means, such as other sliding means, rotating contacts,
screw or fasteners (such as tightening of a screw at the second button to
make an electrical contact or connection), or plug type connectors or
contacts, such that the mirror makes its electrical connections as it is
mounted to the extender.

[0123] Typically, the mounting button 18 is provided on the windshield by
the glass or windshield manufacturer, such that the windshield is shipped
to the vehicle assembly plant with the button affixed thereon.
Preferably, the mirror manufacturer may then supply the accessory module,
which includes the extender 16 and the body 10a, along with the mount 20
and mirror 14, as a single package to be mounted to the button 18 on the
windshield at the vehicle assembly plant. The structural component 26 and
housing 28 may be only partially installed onto the extender 16 as
shipped to the assembly plant, such that the extender may be secured to
the button prior to the module body being moved or loaded toward and
against the windshield. This last step may be performed at the vehicle
assembly plant after the extender has been secured to the button and
after any electrical components or connections have been provided at or
near the module. As the module body is then ratcheted or otherwise moved
toward tight engagement with the windshield, the components, such as the
image sensor, rain sensor and/or the like, may also be loaded against the
windshield while the electrical connections to the vehicle electrical
and/or control system may be simultaneously made.

[0124] Optionally; the extender may be made and supplied as a separate
part or component from the accessory module, without affecting. the scope
of the present invention. However, such an approach may be less
desirable, particularly with respect to the assembly plant operations.

[0125] Optionally, the accessory module may be provided with an electrical
connector 70 (FIG. 1), such as a wire and multi-pin connector or the
like, extending from the accessory module for connecting to or plugging
into a corresponding connector provided at a headliner or overhead
console of the vehicle. For example, an overhead console 71 of the
vehicle may extend toward the glass or window area, such that the
overhead console may be at or close to or adjacent to the windshield,
such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,445,287, and in U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/232,122, filed Aug. 30, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No.
6,975,215, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference, and may
provide a feed or outlet or socket or connector 72 for connecting the
electrical connector 70 of the accessory module thereto. Such a
connection arrangement allows the vehicle manufacturer to provide an
outlet at the overhead console or headliner of the vehicle to provide
electrical connection and/or communication between various accessories or
systems or power source of the vehicle and the accessory module and/or
interior rearview mirror assembly, whereby the vehicle manufacturer does
not have to provide a cable or wiring harness extending down from the
overhead console or headliner, as is typically done with conventional
mirror assemblies and the like. The accessory module manufacturer and/or
supplier may thus provide the electrical connector or plug for extending
to and connecting to the connector or outlet at the overhead console or
headliner of the vehicle when the accessory module is mounted at the
windshield of the vehicle. This allows for enhanced freedom in the
harness and/or connection between the accessory module and the overhead
console or headliner, whereby the accessory module may provide a high
speed connection or different wires or cables as desired or required to
power and/or drive the particular accessories and/or the like within the
accessory module and/or the mirror assembly.

[0126] It is further envisioned that such a connector or outlet or plug or
socket or the like may be provided at an overhead console or headliner of
a vehicle for connection to an electrical wire or connector of other
modules or components, such as a connector from an interior rearview
mirror assembly or other type of accessory module or a separate
windshield electronic module or the like. The connector at the overhead
console or headliner may provide for electrical connection to items or
components or accessories of an accessory module, mirror assembly,
windshield electronic module or the like which may share circuitry with
other items or components or accessories of the vehicle, such as at the
overhead console or headliner, and/or may provide for electrical power
connection to the accessory module, mirror assembly, windshield
electronic module or the like, and/or may provide for electrical
communication to or control of items, components or accessories of the
accessory module, mirror assembly, windshield electronic module or the
like, such as from another accessory or system of the vehicle.

[0127] Optionally, the accessory module may include a rechargeable battery
or power source, such as a rechargeable battery pack (such as shown
generally at 74 in FIG. 6) or the like, which may provide power to the
accessory or accessories of accessory module 10 and/or of mirror assembly
14. The accessory module may then comprise a stand alone battery operated
accessory module and may not require electrical connection to a vehicle
power source or the like. Preferably, the rechargeable battery pack is
attachable to and detachable from the accessory module to ease removal
and recharging of the battery pack when the power supply of the battery
pack is low. The accessory module may include contacts or connectors at a
battery pack receiving portion of the module which electronically connect
to the accessories or circuit board of the accessory module (similar
electrical connections may electronically connect the accessory module to
one or more accessories of the interior rearview mirror assembly). The
contacts or connectors may contact or connect to corresponding contacts
or connectors at the battery pack when the battery pack is attached to
the battery pack receiving portion of the module, such that the
rechargeable battery pack is electronically connected to the accessories
or circuit board of the accessory module when attached to the accessory
module.

[0128] The rechargeable battery pack may include a plug or connector which
is configured or adapted to plug into a vehicle power jack or outlet,
such as a cigarette lighter type of outlet in the vehicle. The connector
or plug may be molded into or integrated into the battery pack, such that
the battery pack may be removed or unplugged from the accessory module
and plugged into the power outlet of the vehicle to recharge the battery
or batteries of the rechargeable battery pack. The accessory module or
battery pack may include a low power indicator which may be activated or
illuminated or deactivated when the power level of the battery pack is
reduced to a low level whereby the battery pack requires recharging.
Also, the batter pack may include a full charge indicator to indicate
when the battery pack has completed the recharging process while plugged
into the vehicle outlet.

[0129] The battery pack may thus be recharged by the vehicle power source
or battery, such as while the vehicle is being driven or even when the
vehicle is not in operation. The recharging process may result in a
minimal draw of power from the vehicle, such that the battery pack may be
recharged when the vehicle is not running, but may not significantly
drain the battery or power supply of the vehicle. After the battery pack
is recharged, the battery pack may be unplugged from the vehicle outlet
and plugged into or attached to the accessory module to provide power to
the accessory or accessories of the accessory module and/or the mirror
assembly. Optionally, solar panels or the like may be provided as a
primary source for recharging of the battery pack, without affecting the
scope of the present invention.

[0130] Although shown and described as being attachable to and detachable
from the accessory module, it is envisioned that a rechargeable battery
pack in accordance with the present invention may be equally applicable
for removably mounting. to a mirror assembly or other module or console
of the vehicle, in order to provide power to an accessory or accessories
at or within the mirror assembly or other module or console of the
vehicle. The rechargeable battery pack of the present invention provides
a rechargeable battery or power source and may be suitable for use with a
stand alone accessory module, console or mirror assembly, whereby the
accessory module, console or mirror assembly may include various
accessories, but may not require electrical connection to the vehicle
power source or the like. Optionally, a portion of the accessory module,
such as a head portion or the like, may include such a rechargeable
battery pack and may be detachable from the rest of the accessory module,
whereby the portion of the accessory module may be plugged into a power
outlet of the vehicle to recharge the rechargeable battery pack contained
or housed therein.

[0131] The accessory module of the present invention may also include one
or more antennae, which may be mounted as a separate component of the
module, or may comprise conductive elements attached to or deposited
directly onto the surfaces of the structural member or the cover plate of
the accessory module. The antenna may be useful for a GPS system, a
mobile/remote transaction system, such as a smart card system or an
electronic toll collection system or the like, a remote keyless entry
system, a communication system and/or any other system which may transmit
a signal and/or receive a signal via an antenna.

[0132] Accessory module 10 may include any other accessories or components
which it would be desirable to have in the general location of the
interior rearview mirror. Because the accessory module is positioned at
the interior rearview mirror and may be electrically coupled to the
mirror, the accessory module may allow for decontenting of the mirror,
such that many accessories, which may have been previously positioned at
or within the mirror housing, are positioned at or within the accessory
module. The mirror may still include lights, electrochromic elements or
the like, and may receive the appropriate electrical signals from the
connection between the mirror and the mount at the extender. However,
other electrical components and/or controls and/or circuitry may be moved
to the accessory module of the present invention.

[0133] The accessory module of the present invention may include various
accessories or features, such as shown in FIG. 11. For example, the
accessory module may include one or more displays, such as a text
display, an icon display, a display on demand type display, such as a
video or touch screen interface display, a biometric imager, such as for
fingerprint authentication or the like, an infrared sensor, such as a
zonal temperature sensor, such as suitable for an auto climate control, a
forward facing image sensor, such as described above, a rearward facing
image sensor (such as for biometric imaging (such as for face
recognition, iris recognition or the like), seat height or position
detection, drowsiness detection, safety/restraints object detection and
position, emergency response image capture system, intrusion detection or
the like), an electronic field sensor (such as the type disclosed in
commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/992,119, filed Nov.
14, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,768,420, which is hereby incorporated
herein by reference), a microphone (such as the type disclosed in
commonly assigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,243,003 and 6,278,377, and/or U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 09/466,010, filed Dec. 17, 1999, now U.S.
Pat. No. 6,420,975, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference), a
speaker, a telematies module (which may include a GPS module or system, a
wireless communication module or system, an antenna for a GPS or phone or
communication system or the like, a human/machine interface (HMI), a
display, such as an LED display, dot matrix display, alpha numeric
display, video display or the like, a microphone and/or microphone
circuits, which may be operable for speech or voice recognition, noise
reduction or noise cancellation), a speaker, a rechargeable battery pack,
a humidity sensor, a compass sensor and/or compass control, an
electrochromic (EC) control, a remote keyless entry sensor, a tire
pressure monitoring system (TPMS), an electronic toll collection sensor,
an emergency or roadside assistance system, an intelligent headlamp
control and memory, user interface controls (such as buttons, switches or
the like for controlling various accessories of the vehicle, such as a
sunroof, a communication system, lamps, security systems, displays or the
like) or any other accessories, sensors, lights, indicators, displays, or
the like which may be suitable for mounting or positioning at or within
the accessory module. The accessory module may also provide for glare
reduction characteristics of the rearview mirror.

[0134] For example, the accessory module and/or the mirror assembly may
include one or more other accessories, such as one or more electrical or
electronic devices or accessories, such as antennas, including global
positioning system (GPS) or cellular phone antennas, such as disclosed in
U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,552, a communication module, such as disclosed in
U.S. Pat. No. 5,798,688, a blind spot detection system, such as disclosed
in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,929,786 and/or 5,786,772, transmitters and/or
receivers, such as a garage door opener device for actuating a garage
door opening mechanism for opening a garage door or the like, such as
disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,396,408; 6,362,771; and 5,798,688, a
digital network, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,798,575, a high/low
headlamp controller, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,796,094 and/or
5,715,093, a memory mirror system, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
5,796,176, a hands-free phone attachment, a video device for internal
cabin surveillance and/or video telephone function, such as disclosed in
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,760,962 and/or 5,877,897, a remote keyless entry
receiver, lights, such as map reading lights or one or more other lights
or illumination sources, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,938,321;
5,813,745; 5,820,245; 5,673,994; 5,649,756; 5,178,448; 5,671,996;
4,646,210; 4,733,336; 4,807,096; 6,042,253; and/or 5,669,698, and/or U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/054,633, filed Jan. 22, 2002, now U.S.
Pat. No. 7,195,381; and/or Ser. No. 09/793,002, filed Feb. 26, 2001, now
U.S. Pat. No. 6,690,268, microphones, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.
6,243,003; 6,278,377; and/or 6,420,975, speakers, a compass, such as
disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,924,212; 4,862,594; 4,937,945; 5,131,154;
5,255,442; and/or 5,632,092, a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS),
such as the types disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,294,989; 6,445,287;
and/or 6,472,979, and in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/232,122,
filed Aug. 30, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,975,215; and Ser. No.
10/279,059, filed Oct. 23, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,774,774, a seat
occupancy detector, a trip computer, an ONSTAR® system and/or the
like (with all of the above-referenced patents and patent applications
being commonly assigned to Donnelly Corporation, and with the disclosures
of the referenced patents and patent applications being hereby
incorporated herein by reference in their entireties). The accessory or
accessories may be positioned at or within the accessory module housing
and/or the mirror casing and may be included on or integrated in a
printed circuit board positioned within the respective housing or casing,
without affecting the scope of the present invention.

[0135] The accessories or components of the accessory module may be
connected to the vehicle electronic or communication systems and may be
connected via various protocols or nodes, such as Bluetooth, SCP, UBP,
J1850, CAN J2284, Fire Wire 1394, MOST, LIN and/or the like, depending on
the particular application of the accessory module of the present
invention. The accessory module may be electronically integrated with the
vehicle electrical and/or control systems. For example, the accessory
module may connect to a sunroof control, a rain sensor control, a mass
motion sensor, a roof lighting control, a microphone/cell phone control,
a climate control, an electrochromic mirror reflective element or cell
control and/or the like. The accessory module may provide an output to
the vehicle system or systems over a communication bus, such as a high
beam activation level (which may be dependent on the module interface
type, such as duty cycle, active/inactive, percent illumination, etc.),
an intelligent headlamp control enabled/fault indicator status, a rain
sensor status, a compass status, an ambient light level status (which may
be an interior or exterior lighting status), an exterior condition
status, an autolamp status, a sunload status and/or the like. The
accessory module may also receive various inputs over the communication
bus or communication line, such as an intelligent headlamp control
enabled/disabled status, a transmission status (such as park, reverse,
neutral, drive, low or other gear settings), a headlamp status, a vehicle
speed, a steering wheel angle, a turn signal status, and/or the like. The
accessory module may be in electrical communication with the interior
rearview mirror assembly, such as for controlling an electrochromic cell
of the mirror and/or a microphone of the mirror and/or the like, and may
be in communication with a telematics system of the vehicle, such as to
provide a signal from a microphone or speaker at the accessory module
and/or the interior rearview mirror assembly. The accessory module may
include a vehicle connector for connecting to a wire or cable of the
vehicle, which may provide power and electrical communication to the
accessory module, such as via a communication bus or the like.
Optionally, the accessory module may include a rechargeable battery pack,
such as described above, and may thus comprise a stand alone accessory
module and thus may not require electrical connection to the vehicle
wiring and/or controls.

[0136] Accessory module 10 may also include user interface controls, such
as buttons, switches or the like, displays, indicators, microphones,
speakers or the like. Some of these may be provided at or along a display
or interface area above the mirror, such as shown at display or interface
area 46 in FIGS. 12A-D and 13. Optionally, accessory module 10 may
include an extension (such as shown in FIGS. 59-65) which extends over or
under the mirror 14 to provide easier or enhanced access and viewing of
various user interface controls or displays or the like, without
affecting the scope of the present invention. It is further envisioned
that display or interface portion or area 46 may comprise an upwardly
extending display or user interface portion and may be extendable and
retractable relative to the mounting button area of the accessory module,
such that the extension may be moved upward to provide clearance over the
mirror (as shown in FIGS. 12A, 12B and 13) or such that the extension may
be moved upward toward the headliner of the vehicle, depending on the
application of the accessory module of the present invention.

[0137] Referring now to FIG. 14, an accessory module 110 in accordance
with the present invention is loaded toward and against the interior
surface 12a of the windshield 12. via pivotal movement of the accessory
module 110 about a pivot axis or joint 111 at the headliner 113 of the
vehicle. The accessory module 110 includes a mirror mount 120 which
extends from a lower portion of the module for mounting a mirror assembly
114 thereto. Accessory module 110 may include any and/or all of the
accessories or components discussed above with respect to accessory
module 10 and may provide for electrical connection to the electrical
components or accessories via electrical connection when the module is
pivotably mounted at the headliner and/or when the module is pivoted
toward and against the windshield to load the module against the
windshield, such as via electrical contacts or plugs or the like, as
discussed above. The accessory module 110 may be loaded toward and
against the windshield via a ratcheting of the module as it is pivoted
toward engagement with the windshield or via other means for loading and
retaining the module at the windshield.

[0138] Optionally, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, an accessory module 210
may be pivotally mounted at the headliner 213 of the vehicle, such as at
a pivot axis or joint 211, and may include an expandable area 228a of the
housing 228 to provide a continuous module housing 228 while
accommodating flexing of the module housing as the module is pivoted
toward or away from the windshield. As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, some of
the interface controls, displays, lights, indicators and/or the like may
be positioned at a control console at and along the headliner of the
vehicle, without affecting the scope of the present invention.

[0139] Optionally, the accessory module of the present invention may be an
extension of a header portion of the vehicle and/or a header console of
the vehicle, such as to provide a viewing area or display visible through
the windshield from outside the vehicle, such as described in commonly
assigned, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/710,016, filed Nov. 10,
2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,445,287, which is hereby incorporated herein by
reference. The module or lobe extending down from the header portion or
console may be spring mounted or otherwise loaded or biased toward the
windshield and may include a cushioning or sealing member to cushion the
module against the windshield.

[0140] Optionally, the header portion or console may be installed at the
roof or header of the vehicle (such as before the windshield is installed
to the vehicle) and may include a lobe or module which may be movable
forwardly with respect to the vehicle to move and load the module against
the interior surface of the windshield after the windshield is installed
in the vehicle. The module may be spring loaded to move and load the
module toward and against the windshield, or may be ratcheted forward or
otherwise moved toward the windshield to move and load the module toward
and against the windshield of the vehicle. The module may then be
retractable or movable away from the windshield to facilitate access,
service, maintenance or replacement of the accessory module.

[0141] Referring now to FIG. 17, an accessory module 310 in accordance
with the present invention may comprise a housing 328 which extends at
least partially across the headliner 313 of the vehicle and provides a
mount 320 for mounting a mirror assembly 314 thereto. In the illustrated
embodiment, the accessory module 310 extends entirely across the
headliner between the A-pillars of the vehicle to provide a continuous
module along and above the upper edge of the windshield. The accessory
module 310 may include one or more sun visors 315, which may fold down or
be pulled down and unrolled from within the accessory module 310 to
provide shielding of the sun from the driver's or passenger's eyes. The
accessory module 310 may include any and/or all of the accessories or
components discussed above with respect to accessory module 10 and may
provide for electrical connection to the electrical components or
accessories via electrical connection when the module is mounted along
the headliner (such as via screws, snaps; or other fasteners) and against
the windshield (whereby the module is preferably loaded against the
windshield), such as via electrical contacts or plugs or the like,
similar to those discussed above.

[0142] Referring now to FIGS. 18, an accessory module 410 may be biased or
spring loaded against the interior surface 12a of the windshield via a
biasing member or spring 429 along the mounting arm 422. Spring 429 is
positioned between a raised portion or stop 422a along mounting arm 422
of mirror 414 and a cover 428 of accessory module 410. The accessory
module 410 may include accessories, displays, user interface controls
and/or the like, as discussed above with respect to accessory module 10.

[0143] As shown in FIG. 19, an accessory module in accordance with the
present invention may include a plate or platform 50, which may further
include a main board or power bus 52 mounted or affixed thereto. The
platform 50 may then include one or more electronic sub-boards 54, which
may be attached to the platform 50 as desired, depending on the
particular application of the accessory module and on the desired
features or accessories of the module.

[0144] It is further envisioned that an accessory module 510 (FIG. 20) may
include a removable, plug-in module 552, which may be installed in or
removed from the module depending on the application of the module and
the desired functions and features of the module. The accessory module
510 may include a removable panel 528a at housing 528 to facilitate
access to the plug-in module 552. Alternately, a plug-in module or card
562 may be retained in connection with an electrical connector via a
retention clip 564, as shown in FIG. 21, As also shown in FIG. 21, the
mirror mount 520 may connect to an exterior surface of housing 528 of
accessory module 510.

[0145] Optionally, an accessory module 610 (FIG. 22) of the present
invention may include a center module 610a mounted to or at the
windshield in a manner according to the present invention. The center
module 610a may provide a connector 668 along one or both sides of the
center module for connection of one or more side pod modules 610b, 610c.
The center module 610a and/or the side pod modules 610b, 610c may include
various accessories, displays, controls, indicators and/or the like, such
as discussed above with respect to accessory module 10. The electrical
connections to the side pod modules 610b, 610c may be made as the side
modules are snapped or otherwise attached or mounted to center module
610a, such as via electrical connectors 668, 669.

[0146] As shown in FIGS. 23A and 23B, an accessory module 710 may mount to
the windshield 12 and include an opening or passageway 734a for fitting
the accessory module around a mounting button 718, mount 720 and mounting
arm 722 of a mirror 714. The accessory module 710 may include a
structural mounting portion or member 726 and a cover 728, which define a
cavity 730 for housing various accessories or the like. The accessories
may include any accessories, controls, indicators, displays and/or the
like as discussed above.

[0147] Referring now to FIGS. 24A, 24B and 25A-C, an accessory module 810
is mountable to a mounting button (not shown) at a windshield of a
vehicle and provides a second mounting button 816a for mounting a mirror
mount 820 and mirror 814 to accessory module 810. The second mounting
button 816a is positioned within a pocket or recessed area, where the
pocket allows sufficient clearance for the mirror mount 820 to fit in and
slide onto the button 816a. The accessory module may extend upward and
over the mirror 814, as can be seen in FIGS. 25B and 25C, to provide
access to one or more user interface controls or buttons 811 at an upper
end of the accessory module 810.

[0148] In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 24A, 24B and 25A-C, the
accessory module may provide buttons 811, such as for actuating a garage
door opener device or system of the vehicle or accessory module for
actuating a garage door opener mechanism for opening a garage door or the
like, such as the types described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,396,408; 6,362,771;
5,798,688 and 5,479,155, which are hereby incorporated herein by
reference, such as the type available from Johnson Controls, Inc. of
Plymouth, Mich., under the name HOMELINK®. The accessory module 810
includes a mounting portion 810a and an upper extension 810b which
extends over the mirror 814. The angle of the upper portion 810b relative
to the lower portion 810a is selected according to the angle of the
windshield of the targeted vehicle, such that the buttons are directed
generally parallel to the floor of the vehicle when the accessory module
is mounted to the windshield. Desirably, the upper portion may be
pivotable so that the upper portion may be canted toward the driver and
secured in such position, or the upper portion may desirably be rigidly
canted toward the driver (such as approximately 10-35 degrees, and
preferably 15-25 degrees), to provide enhanced visibility and access to
the buttons by the driver of the vehicle.

[0149] Optionally, the upper portion 810b of the accessory module may
include an information display, such as a compass display (not shown).
Desirably, all of the compass circuitry, including the vacuum fluorescent
display and the compass sensors, may be created on one circuit board,
thus allowing economy of parts fabrication. Also, because the accessory
module, when mounted to the windshield, is rigid and does not move, the
orientation of the compass sensing element, such as a magnetoresistive
sensor, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,802,727, and U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/540,702, filed Mar. 31, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No.
6,513,252, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference, remains
substantially fixed relative to the vehicle. The compass and/or compass
display may be of the types disclosed in U.S. provisional application,
Ser. No. 60/420,010, filed Oct. 21, 2002 for INTERIOR REARVIEW MIRROR
WITH COMPASS, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

[0150] Optionally, the accessory module of the present invention may be
mounted on the button at the windshield during a first operation at the
vehicle assembly plant. For example, the module mounting member may be
adapted to be attached to the button (preferably in a detachable way),
and may include a mechanical fastener, such as a screw or other fastener,
or a snap type connection or the like to secure the mounting member the
button. Because the second button on the accessory module is a replicate
of the button on the windshield, the minor may mount on the second button
during a second operation. Optionally, the accessory module may be
provided to a vehicle assembly plant with the mirror assembly preattached
to the module. The entire assembly may thus be adapted to be readily
mounted to the attachment member or button at the windshield in a single
operation at the vehicle assembly plant. The accessory module of the
present invention preferably provides visual and mechanical guides or
cues to facilitate the mounting operation as the accessory module is
mounted to the windshield.

[0151] Referring now to FIGS. 26A-26D, an accessory module 910 is
mountable at and/or loadable against an interior surface of a vehicle
windshield, such as in a similar manner as discussed above with accessory
module 10. Accessory module 910 is substantially similar to accessory
module 10 discussed above, such that a detailed discussion of the
features and characteristics of the accessory module will not be repeated
herein. As shown in FIGS. 26C and 26D, the rearview mirror assembly 914,
which is mounted to the mounting portion 920 at accessory module 910, may
include a microphone 915. Microphone 915 may be mounted at an upper
portion of the mirror assembly 914 and beneath an upper, curved portion
910b of the body 910a of accessory module 910. The microphone 915 may be
of the type disclosed in commonly assigned, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,243,003 and
6,278,377, and/or U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/466,010, filed Dec.
17, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,420,975, and/or U.S. provisional
applications Ser. No. 60/415,233, filed Oct. 1, 2002 by DeBoer et al, for
INTERIOR REARVIEW MIRROR ASSEMBLY WITH ACCESSORY, Ser. No. 60/429,360,
filed Nov. 26, 2002 by Weller for MICROPHONE SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE, which
are all hereby incorporated herein by reference.

[0152] Referring now to FIGS. 27-32, a stand-alone accessory module 1010
is mounted to an interior surface 12a of a windshield 12 of a vehicle and
includes an extender 1016, which is mounted to and extends from a
mounting attachment 1018 (such as a conventional mirror mounting button)
at the windshield 12. A mounting portion of the extender 1016 may be slid
or otherwise moved into engagement with the button 1018, as discussed
above with respect to accessory module 10. Thus, accessory module 10 may
detachably attach (and preferably breakaway if impacted, such as in an
accident) to button 1018 (such as using a fastenerless attachment
element, such as a top clip attachment, such as described in U.S. Pat.
No. 5,576,687, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference) or may
be secured thereto using a screw or similar fastener.

[0153] Extender 1016 may comprise a die-cast metallic member or a plastic
molded member or the like, without affecting the scope of the present
invention. As shown in FIG. 28, extender 1016 may include a channel or
passageway 1017, such as a cylindrical passageway and/or threaded
passageway, extending lengthwise through the extender, such that a
threaded fastener or screw 1015 may be threaded through the extender to
an opening or indentation in the button to retain or secure the extender
to the button. The screw may be countersunk into the extender to provide
a generally flat surface at the opposite end from the button end.
Further, the channel may include a larger diameter passageway 1017a
(large enough for the head of the fastener to be driven into to
countersink the head of the fastener within the extender), which may
extend substantially into the extender 1016 to allow the fastener 1015 to
be partially threaded onto a threaded portion 1017b of the passageway,
yet still be substantially within the countersunk portion. Because the
fastener 1015 is initially positioned at least partially within the
extender, a drive tool may be easily aligned with and engaged with the
head of the fastener for driving the fastener into its securing position.
The accessory module, including the extender and screw, may thus be
provided to the vehicle assembly plant, whereby the screw or fastener may
be easily driven into and/or against the mounting button 1018 by an
operator at the vehicle assembly plant. The operator may then slide or
otherwise position the extender onto the button and drive the screw or
fastener into place to secure the extender to the button and windshield.

[0154] Extender 1016 includes a second mounting attachment or button at
its outer end for receiving a mirror mount 1020 thereon (FIG. 27). The
button-on-button attachment may be similar to the attachments disclosed
in U.S. Pat. No. 4,930,742, which is hereby incorporated herein by
reference. In addition to providing structural support for the housing of
the accessory module and for the accessories included therein or mounted
or attached thereto, the extender provides a rigid extension of a
mounting button from the interior surface of the windshield for mounting
(and supporting) an interior rearview mirror assembly 1014 to the
windshield 12. The interior rearview mirror assembly may comprise a
prismatic mirror assembly or an electrochromic minor assembly or the
like, without affecting the scope of the present invention, and with the
interior rearview mirror assembly preferably forming a detachable and/or
breakaway attachment to the outer end of extender 1016 of accessory
module 1010.

[0155] Similar to extender 16, discussed above, extender 1016 provides a
structural, load bearing connection between the attachment member 1018
and the mount 1020 of a support arm 1022 of the interior rearview mirror
assembly 1014 (or the mount of the mirror, such as shown in FIG. 1) that
is attachable to accessory module 1010. As such, extender 1016 is
preferably fabricated of a rigid, load bearing material, such as a
metallic material or metal, such as a die cast metallic material, such as
die cast zinc or die cast aluminum or the like. Extender 1016 may
comprise a solid member, or may include channels or passageways
therealong, which may include a wireway passage, such as for wirings to
pass therethrough or a channel-way to accommodate a screw type fastener,
such as described above. The length of extender 1016 is sufficient for
the housing or body 1011 of accessory module 1010 to slide over/secure
to, but not so long as to create an excessive moment arm or to unduly
move the reflective element of the interior rearview mirror assembly that
attaches to the accessory module toward and close to the driver of the
vehicle. Extender 1016 also provides structural support for the body of
the accessory module and for any accessories contained therein or
attached thereto.

[0156] As discussed above with respect to accessory module 10, extender
1016 is formed and adapted to mount to a particular mounting attachment
member 1018 at the windshield at one end of extender 1016. For O.E.M.
automaker installations, the opposite end of the extender is typically
formed as a replication of the attachment member or button at the
windshield of that particular vehicle (however, as previously indicated,
the opposite end of the extender may be different from the button that
the extender is mounted to so as to allow aftermarket installation of an
accessory module that has a mirror mounting end for a mirror that
anticipates a different button). Similar to extender 16, extender 1016
may have some or all of the plastics of the accessory module molded to
the extender, such as by integral molding. Optionally, the extender may
be die cast, such as a die cast metal (preferably die cast zinc or die
cast aluminum) or otherwise formed, such as by molding of an engineering
plastic, such as a filled nylon engineering plastic or the like, and may
be formed as a structural skeleton member. Extender 1016 may be a solid
construction or a hollow construction, such as a solid or hollow slug,
and is preferably of limited length or extension so as to both facilitate
ease of attachment to the mirror button by a vehicle assembly line
operator (and where a screw or other fastener is used, the driving of the
screw by the operator) and to minimize the further extension of the
mirror reflector of the mirror assembly toward the driver when the mirror
assembly is mounted to the extender. Preferably, the extension is no more
than approximately two inches long, more preferably, no more than
approximately 1.25 inches long, and most preferably, no more than
approximately 0.75 inches long, to provide a sufficient space between the
mirror mount 1020 and the mounting button 1018 for housing or body 1011.
A cover, such as a plastic or polymeric cover, may then be snapped or
otherwise affixed or attached to the skeleton extender, without affecting
the scope of the present invention.

[0157] Housing or body 1011 of accessory module 1010 includes a base
portion or fixed portion 1011a and an upper portion or movable portion or
head portion 1011b extending from the base portion, as shown in FIG. 27.
Base portion 1011a may be integrally molded with or onto extender 1016 or
may snap or otherwise be secured to extender 1016, such as in the manners
described above. For example, body 1011 can be formed in a separate
molding operation and can snap onto extender 1016 as desired, without
affecting the scope of the present invention. Body 1011 includes a
mounting portion 1011c for mounting head portion 1011b to base portion
1011a, and preferably for movably or pivotably mounting head portion
1011b to base portion 1011a. Although shown as having the head portion
1011b positioned above the base portion 1011a, it is envisioned that a
head portion (or tail portion) may also or otherwise be mounted at a
lower end of the base portion and positioned below the base portion and
interior rearview mirror assembly, without affecting the scope of the
present invention.

[0158] The mounting portion 1011c of housing 1011 preferably allows for
different types of head portions to be mounted to a standard or common
base portion. The different heads may be tooled up or manufactured with
different accessories associated therewith. For example, if a vehicle is
made with a display as an option, a head portion with the display option
may be mounted to the base portion of the accessory module, whereas if a
vehicle is made with a garage door opener option, a head portion with
such a garage door opener option may be mounted to the base portion,
Clearly, other accessories or options may be incorporated into accessory
module 1010, without affecting the scope of the present invention. The
base portion thus may be a common part, while the head portion may be
selected to match a desired function or option of the vehicle and may be
mounted to the base portion. In such applications, all of the
electronics, such as electronic circuitry for a compass system and
display, a temperature display, a garage door opener device or system and
associated buttons, a user input device or buttons, such as for a
telematics system or the like, a microphone and/or any other desired
system or systems or accessory or accessories may be positioned at or
within the head portion, such that the accessory module may comprise the
same base portion irrespective of the selected option or options or
function or functions of the head portion.

[0159] The different modules with different features may mount to the
mounting portion 1011c and optionally may be movably or adjustably
mounted thereto. For example, the mounting portion 1011c may include
pivot or swivel elements, such as a ring or partial ring of detents or
indents or a ball joint or other type of swivel joint connection, which
allows head portion 1011b to pivot or swivel relative to base portion
1011a, such as side to side and about a generally vertical pivot axis
when the accessory module is mounted to the vehicle, so as to direct the
head portion 1011b toward the driver, and/or up and down and about a
generally horizontal pivot axis when the accessory module is mounted to
the vehicle, so as to adjust a level at which the head portion is
positioned. This allows for the different modules to be mounted to the
generally fixed base portion and adjusted to an appropriate orientation
for optimal viewing by the driver of the vehicle, even though the module
may be installed in different vehicles, such as different vehicles with
different angled windshields or different driver's head position relative
to the windshield. However, in certain installations, the module mounting
portion may have a preset angle, such that the head portion may snap onto
the base portion and be generally fixed (such as at a preset angle)
relative to the base portion, without affecting the scope of the present
invention.

[0160] The detent ring allows for the head (or tail) portion to pivot or
swivel and to click or snap or lock into place at one or more particular
angles (such as at approximately six degrees downward and approximately
twelve degrees toward the driver). The detent ring may include several
detents, such that the head portion may be adjusted to one of several
positions or orientations relative to the base portion. The head portion
may be adjusted to an appropriate position when installed and then
generally fixed or locked relative to the base portion, or may be
adjustably mounted such that the head portion may be later adjusted by
the driver of the vehicle if desired. The swivel or pivot mounting
elements may be molded into the housing portions of the accessory module,
or may be attached thereto, without affecting the scope of the present
invention.

[0161] Optionally, the mounting portion 1011c may provide a swivel joint
which may include a generally spherical ball shaped member which includes
a plurality of dimples or indentations on its surface (such as similar to
the surface of a golf ball), such that a corresponding portion of the
mounting portion may at least partially receive the ball shaped member
and engage an appropriate one or ones of the dimples or indentations to
substantially secure or fix the head portion in a desired orientation
relative to the base portion of the accessory module. The head portion
may be adjustable via pivotal movement of the head portion relative to a
horizontal direction or the x and y axes of the vehicle and/or relative
to a vertical direction, such as left and right and/or up and down, to
horizontally and/or vertically adjust the orientation of the head portion
at various angles relative to the base portion.

[0162] As shown in FIGS. 31 and 32, the head portion 1011b of accessory
module 1010 may be angled or canted to a desired orientation with respect
to the windshield and with respect to a location corresponding to a
typical location of the head of the driver of the vehicle. Preferably,
the head portion of the accessory module is pivotable to be canted or
positioned at an angle A with respect to the longitudinal axis 1009 (FIG.
31) of the vehicle which is approximately 8-18 degrees toward the driver
of the vehicle, more preferably, approximately 10-15 degrees, and most
preferably, approximately 11-13 degrees. Also, the head portion 1011b may
be angled downwardly toward the driver's head at an angle B with respect
to a generally horizontal plane 1007 (FIG. 32). Preferably, the head
portion may be angled downwardly toward the driver's head location at an
angle greater than approximately 1 degree and less than approximately 15
degrees, and more preferably, greater than approximately 5 degrees and
less than approximately 10 degrees downward.

[0163] Accessory module 1010 may include various accessories within base
portion 1011a and/or head portion 1011b. For example, in the illustrated
embodiment, base portion 1011a of accessory module 1010 includes a
forward facing video image sensor or system 1062. The image sensor or
system 1062 may include an intelligent rain sensor (such as the type
disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,320,176; 6,353,392;
6,313,454; 6,341,523; and 6,250,148; and/or in U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 10/023,162, filed Dec. 17, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,516,664;
and Ser. No. 10/348,514, filed Jan. 21, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No.
6,968,736, which are all hereby incorporated herein by reference), an
image or vision system or sensor (including an imaging sensor, such as a
video camera, such as a CMOS imaging array sensor, a CCD sensor or the
like, such as the types disclosed in commonly assigned, U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,550,677; 6,097,023 and 5,796,094, which are hereby incorporated herein
by reference), an intelligent headlamp controller (such as the type
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,796,094 and/or in U.S. provisional
applications Ser. No. 60/420,560, filed Oct. 23, 2002; Ser. No.
60/398,346, filed Jul. 24, 2002; Ser. No. 60/381,314, filed May 17, 2002
by Schofield et al. for VEHICLE ACCESSORY MODULE; Ser. No. 60/374,724,
filed Apr. 23, 2002 by Schofield et al. for VEHICLE ACCESSORY MODULE;
Ser. No. 60/364,008, filed Mar. 14, 2002 by Schofield for VEHICLE
ACCESSORY MODULE; and Ser. No. 60/350,965, filed Jan. 31, 2002 by
Schofield for VEHICLE ACCESSORY MODULE, which are all hereby incorporated
herein by reference), an intelligent lane departure warning system, such
as the types described in U.S. provisional applications, Ser. No.
60/433,700, filed Dec. 16, 2002, and Ser. No. 60/377,524, filed May 3,
2002, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference, and/or the like.
The image sensor may be implemented with any type of vehicle vision
system or the like, such as a vision or imaging system utilizing
principles disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,396,397 and 6,201,642, and/or
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/010,862, filed Dec. 6, 2001, now U.S.
Pat. No. 6,757,109; and Ser. No. 09/199,907, filed Nov. 25, 1998, now
U.S. Pat. No. 6,717,610, which are hereby incorporated herein by
reference. As discussed above, the accessory module of the present
invention may provide for positive perpendicular coupling of the base
portion of the accessory module to the windshield to optically couple
such sensors toward and against the windshield if desired.

[0164] Base portion 1011a of the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 27 further
may include a short-range radio frequency (RF) transceiver 1064 for
communication with other vehicle electronic or communication systems and
may communicate to such systems via various protocols or nodes, such as
Bluetooth, SCP, UBP, J1850, CAN J2284, Fire Wire 1394, MOST; LIN and/or
the like, depending on the particular application of the accessory module
of the present invention. The accessory module may be electronically
integrated with the vehicle electrical and/or control systems. For
example, the accessory module may connect to a sunroof control, rain
sensor control, mass motion sensor, roof lighting control,
microphone/cell phone control, climate control, or the like, without
affecting the scope of the present invention.

[0165] As shown in FIG. 27, head portion 1011b may include a microphone or
microphone array 1066 for receiving audio or voice signals from within
the cabin of the vehicle. The microphone or microphone array may be part
of a communication system, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,243,003
and 6,278,377, and in U.S. patent application, Ser. No. 09/466,010, filed
Dec. 17, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,420,975, which are hereby incorporated
herein by reference. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 27, microphone 1066 is
mounted or positioned at an underside of head portion 1011b, which
shelters the microphone from direct moisture intrusion, such that the
microphone or microphone array is sheltered from direct exposure to
debris or rain or the like, such as when the accessory module is mounted
in a convertible.

[0166] Head portion 1011b preferably includes a single circuit element
1052 (FIGS. 27 and 30), such as a printed circuit board (PCB) mounted at
least partially within head portion 1011b. As shown in FIG. 30, printed
circuit board 1052 may include a display element 1054 along or partially
along an edge of the board and may include one or more user-actuatable
controls or buttons 1056 near or adjacent to the display element 1054.
The display element may be any type of display, such as a vacuum
fluorescent (VF) display, a light emitting diode (LED) display,
an-electroluminescent (EL) display, a liquid crystal (LCD) display, a
video screen display or the like, and may be for displaying various
information (as discrete characters, icons or the like, or in a
multi-pixel manner) to the driver of the vehicle, such as compass heading
information, passenger side inflatable restraint (PSIR) information, tire
pressure status, and/or the like. The buttons may be for actuating or
controlling various accessories or controls or components associated with
the vehicle, such as for a compass calibration setting or zone setting, a
telematics actuation, a garage door opener device, an electronic toll
control (such as disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
09/793,002, filed Feb. 26, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,690,268, which is
hereby incorporated herein by reference), and/or the like, or may be for
switching the display between various functions or modes, without
affecting the scope of the present invention. The head portion 1011b may
include appropriate openings along its face 1011d, such that the display
element 1054 is visible through one opening, while the buttons or
controls may partially protrude through other corresponding openings when
an appropriate circuit board is installed within the head portion. This
allows for the manufacturer of the printed circuit board to easily place
the board in the head portion of the accessory module of the present
invention.

[0167] As shown in FIG. 30, the printed circuit board 1052 may include
other electronic components 1058, such as integrated circuits, resistors,
capacitors, diodes and/or the like. The printed circuit board or element
may also include one or more accessories, such as a compass sensor 1060
for a compass system of the vehicle, such as a compass system of the type
disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,255,442, and U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/540,702, filed Mar. 31, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No.
6,513,252, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. The compass
sensor may be a magneto-resistive sensor, a magneto-capacitive sensor, a
magneto-inductive sensor, or a flux-gate sensor or the like, without
affecting the scope of the present invention. In this regard, it is
preferable that the head portion is not user movable or adjustable by the
driver or occupant of the vehicle when installed in the vehicle, so that
the alignment of the compass sensor is predictable relative to the x and
y axes of the vehicle and generally invariant over the driving use of the
vehicle. The head portion may be set relative to the base portion at a
generally fixed or preset angle, but preferably is a fixed mount that may
not be adjustable by a user, such as a driver or occupant of the vehicle,
in such an application. The head portion thus may be generally fixedly
positioned at the or relative to the base portion when the accessory
module is mounted at the vehicle, and thus may be non-adjustable by a
driver or occupant of the vehicle during normal use of the vehicle and/or
the accessory module.

[0168] Preferably, the accessory module of the present invention may
include a network bus, such as a CAN bus or a LIN bus, such as disclosed
in U.S. Pat. No. 6,291,905, which is hereby incorporated herein by
reference. The network bus may be operable to communicate with other
systems of the vehicle, such as with accessories or elements of the
interior rearview mirror assembly.

[0169] Optionally, the interior rearview mirror assembly may include an
electrochromic rearview mirror, preferably utilizing a solid polymer
matrix electrochromic medium, such as described in U.S. Pat. No.
5,910,854, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. The network
bus of the accessory module may then be in communication with the
reversing system of the vehicle, such that the accessory module knows
when the vehicle is shifted into reverse. The bus may then be operable to
communicate this to the electrochromic rearview mirror assembly to
disable the electrochromic dimming of the mirror when the vehicle is in
reverse, as is desired and known in the art. The accessory module of the
present invention thus may provide for hard wiring between the printed
circuit board within the accessory module and the rearview mirror
assembly, and may thus eliminate the need for hard wiring the mirror to
the reverse system of the vehicle. The mirror assembly may be hard wired
to the bus or node of the accessory module, which is only a minimal
distance, such as approximately three inches, and substantially less
distance than wiring from the mirror to the reverse system. The present
invention thus may provide for a node or bus in the head portion of the
accessory module and may allow the interior rearview mirror assembly to
be manufactured without a CAN bus or other type of network bus or node.

[0170] The interior rearview mirror assembly may include other accessories
in addition to the accessories contained in or mounted to the accessory
module. For example, the interior rearview mirror assembly may include
lights, and may be a modular rearview mirror assembly, such as described
in U.S. Pat. No. 6,124,886, which is hereby incorporated herein by
reference, or may have various other accessories, such as disclosed in
U.S. Pat. No. 6,222,460, which is hereby incorporated herein by
reference.

[0171] The accessory module 1010 thus allows for a display and/or user
actuated controls to be adjusted or canted to a desirable orientation
with respect to the windshield and the driver of the vehicle. The
interior rearview mirror may be pivoted or adjusted independent of the
accessory module and may be separately detachable from the accessory
module. The adjustable portion of the accessory module may be
interchangeable with other portions, depending on the desired or selected
options for the particular vehicle in which the accessory module is being
installed. The selected adjustable head (or tail) portion may be mounted
to a common base portion and adjusted to the desired orientation. The
accessory module of the present invention thus allows for various
accessories to be mounted within an accessory module which is mountable
to the windshield of various vehicles. The adjustable nature of the head
or tail portion relative to the generally fixed base portion allows the
display or control functions to be optimally oriented with respect to the
driver of the particular vehicle, and accounts for various angles of
windshields and other design parameters of various vehicles, without
requiring specific mounting components. Optionally, the accessory module
may include a rechargeable battery pack, such as described above with
respect to accessory module 10. The battery pack may be removable or
detachable from the accessory module and may plug into a power outlet of
the vehicle for recharging, or the portion of the accessory module that
houses the battery pack, such as the head portion of the accessory
module, may be detachable and may be plugged into a power outlet of the
vehicle for recharging.

[0172] Referring now to FIGS. 33 and 34, an accessory module 1110 is
mountable to a windshield mounted button 1118 at an interior surface 12a
of a windshield 12 of a vehicle. Similar to accessory module 10,
discussed above, accessory module 1110 includes a mounting extender 1116,
which mounts to button 1118 via a mounting portion 1116a and includes a
second mounting button or mirror attachment member or the like 1116b for
mounting an interior rearview mirror assembly 1114 to accessory module
1110. As shown in FIGS. 33 and 34, the mounting buttons 1118, 1116b may
be staggered, such that the mirror mounting button 1116b is positioned
above the windshield button 1118. This allows for easy attachment or
securement of extender 1116 and accessory module 1110 to windshield
button 1118, such as via a fastener 1115, while maintaining access to the
fastener after the interior rearview mirror assembly 1114 has been
mounted to accessory module 1110. Fastener 1115 may then be driven
generally straight through the accessory module and extender and into the
windshield button 1118, without interference with the mirror mounting
button 1116b, to secure accessory module 1110 to windshield button 1118.

[0173] As shown in FIG. 33, and as discussed above with respect to
accessory module 1010, accessory module 1110 may include a lower body
portion or stalk or stem portion 1111a and an upper or head portion or
accessory housing 1111b mounted to an upper end of stalk portion 1111a.
Head portion 1111b may be adjustably mounted to stalk portion 1111a at a
joint 1111c (such that a driver of the vehicle may pivot or swivel the
head portion to a desired angle toward the driver's head area) or may be
generally fixedly secured to stalk portion 1111a, such as at a desired or
preset angle toward the driver area. For example, the desired angle may
be preset and selectable at the vehicle manufacturing plant. This allows
the lower or stalk portion 1111a to be a common part for various
applications of the accessory module, whereby a desired head or cap
portion 1111b may be mounted to the stalk portion in accordance with the
vehicle model or options selected for a particular vehicle.

[0174] Because it is desirable to provide generally flat circuitry for the
electrical components of the mirror and/or accessory module, head portion
1111b may be adapted to receive a flat printed circuit board 1152
therewithin. It is also preferable to have the circuitry on a single or
unitary circuit board, rather than two boards with wires connecting them.
This avoids bending of the circuitry and may reduce or substantially
avoid wires between the circuit board and the associated components. In
the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 33, circuit board 1152 is directly
connected to a display 1154, user actuable buttons 1156, a microphone
1166, and a forward facing camera or image sensor 1162, each of which is
positioned at or within or partially within head portion 1111b of
accessory module 1110 in the immediate vicinity of the flat circuit board
1152. However, a circuit board may be positioned in head portion 1111a
and connected to other accessories or additional accessories, such as
discussed above and/or below, without affecting the scope of the present
invention.

[0175] As shown in FIG. 34, a different or optional head portion 1111b'
may be provided on stalk portion 1111a of accessory module 1110. Head
portion 1111b' is adapted to receive a second printed circuit board 1153
therewithin, which is associated with other components or circuitry of
accessory module 1110 and/or interior rearview mirror assembly 1114. For
example, circuit board 1153 may be directly connected to other user
actuable buttons 1157 or the like at or within head portion 1111b'. Head
portion 1111b' provides a double'decker circuit board arrangement or
double decker bus arrangement within the head portion. The different head
portions 1111b, 1111b' may be selected depending on the particular
application of the accessory module. For example, head portion 1111b may
be selected and mounted to lower portion 1111a if the vehicle includes a
compass option or the like, while head portion 1111b' may be selected and
mounted to lower portion 1111a if additional or other options are
associated with the vehicle at which the accessory module is mounted.

[0176] Referring now to FIGS. 35-57, alternate embodiments are shown of a
mount extender or extension in accordance with the present invention
which is adapted for mounting to a ring shaped mounting button or a
mounting button, which is otherwise opened in the center region of the
button. The ring-shaped buttons are suitable for applications where a
rain sensor or other accessory may be included as part of the mounting
extension, such that the accessory may be coupled to or loaded against
the windshield as the mounting extension is pressed or mounted onto the
button, or where an accessory may be part of the button or may be a
separate component positioned within the button and against the
windshield. For example, a rain sensor may be positioned at the center
region of a generally ring-shaped or U-shaped windshield mounted button,
such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,250,148 and 6,341,523 and in U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/023,162, filed Dec. 17, 2001, now U.S.
Pat. No. 6,516,664; and Ser. No. 10/348,514, filed Jan. 21, 2003, now
U.S. Pat. No. 6,968,736, which are all hereby incorporated herein by
reference.

[0177] As shown in FIGS. 35A and 35B, a mounting button 1218 is generally
ring-shaped or open, so as to allow an accessory, such as a rain sensor
or the like (not shown), to be positioned at a central region of the
mounting button 1218, and generally loaded or positioned against the
windshield (not shown in FIGS. 35A and 35B). Mounting button 1218 is
bonded or otherwise secured or affixed to the interior surface of the
windshield, and includes a plurality or ridges or notches or teeth 1218a
at two or more of the side walls 1218b of button 1218. In the illustrated
embodiment, each of three side walls 1218b of button 1218 include teeth
1218a.

[0178] A mounting extension 1216 (FIG. 36) may include a second mirror
mounting button 1216b at an outer end thereof. Similar to mounting
extension 16, discussed above, the mirror mounting button 1216b may be a
conventional shaped mounting button for mounting an interior rearview
mirror assembly thereto. At least two of the side walls 1216c of mounting
extension 1216 include a corresponding mounting tab or portion 1216a
extending inwardly from a lower edge of the mounting extension.

[0179] The mounting extension 1216 may be secured to mounting button 1218
by aligning the mounting tabs 1216a with the corresponding notches or
teeth 1218a of mounting button 1218 and pressing mounting extension 1216
generally perpendicularly toward the windshield. The teeth 1218a may
include a tapered opening or passageway 1218c (FIG. 35B) to ease
alignment of the tabs 1216a with teeth 1218a. The mounting tabs 1216a
engage the teeth 1218a of button 1218 as mounting extension 1216 is
pressed onto button 1218. The teeth 1218a of button 1218 are tapered, as
can be seen in phantom in FIG. 35B, to allow for a ratcheting attachment
of the mounting extension 1216, such that the rain sensor or other
accessory 1238 may be generally perpendicularly loaded or pressed against
and retained against the windshield. Additionally, a spring or biasing
member 1238a may be provided at a cross member or support 1216d extending
across mounting extension 1216 between opposite side walls 1216c of
mounting extension 1216. The biasing member 1238a functions to push or
bias the rain sensor into engagement with the windshield as the mounting
extension is pressed into place on the button. Optionally, the accessory
or rain sensor may be a component of the mounting extension 1216, such
that the accessory is pressed into engagement with the windshield as the
mounting extension is mounted to the button 1218. An outer housing or
casing (not shown) of an accessory module may be mounted or secured to
the mounting extension, as discussed above.

[0180] As shown in FIGS. 37A and 37B, a generally U-shaped mounting button
1218' is securable to an interior surface 12a of the windshield. Mounting
button 1218' includes a tapered or ramped portion 1218a', which includes
a stop surface 1219b'. Ramped portion 1218a' is positioned along and
recessed within each side of button 1218'. An accessory module 1210 may
be mounted to button 1218' by sliding the accessory module up and onto
the button (the accessory module may include a mount extension of the
types discussed herein which slides onto the button), over the ramped
portion 1218a' and past the stop surface 1218b'. The stop surface 1218b'
substantially precludes movement of the accessory module in the opposite
direction, so as to retain the module on the button. Button 1218' has
clearance for a rain sensor (not shown) to be positioned within the
U-shaped button and not interfere with the sliding and mounting of the
accessory module onto the button, The accessory module and/or mounting
extension may be secured to button 1218' via a spring type attachment or
the like. For example, the accessory module may include a spring (not
shown) which flexes or deflects as it slides over the ramp 1218a' and
flexes back after the spring passes the ramped portion 1218a'. The spring
then engages the opposite facing stop surface 1218b' and thus provides
resistance to movement in the opposite direction, so as to retain the
module on the button 1218'. However, other mounting means may be
implemented, such as set screws or the like securing the module to the
button from one or both sides, without affecting the scope of the present
invention.

[0181] Referring now to FIGS. 38A-D, an accessory module 1310 includes an
accessory 1338, such as a rain sensor or the like, and is mounted at an
interior surface 12a of the windshield 12 of a vehicle. A generally
ring-shaped mounting button 1318 is secured to the interior surface 12a
of the windshield 12 and includes at least one lip or hook portion 1318a
(FIGS. 38A and 38C) at one end of button 1318 and at least one tab or
hook portion 1318b at the other end of button 1318. As can be seen in
FIG. 38B, hook portion 1318a may be positioned along spaced apart
openings or slots 1318d along the end of button 1318, while hook portion
1318b may be at a slot 1318c extending along the end of button 1318. The
central region of button 1318 is generally open to receive accessory 1338
therein, such that accessory 1338 may be loaded against the windshield at
the center region of button 1318.

[0183] As best shown in FIG. 38B, mount extension 1316 includes a
plurality of hooks or tabs 1316a at one end for engaging the hook portion
1318a of button 1318, and one or more springs or tabs 1316c at the other
end for engaging hook portion 1318b of button 1318, in order to secure
mount extension 1316 to button 1318. As shown in FIG. 38A, the springs
1316c may be spaced apart to provide clearance for a connector 1338a of
accessory 1338 to pass therethrough to facilitate electrical connection
of the accessory to the vehicle wiring. Similar to mount extension 16,
discussed above, mount extension 1316 includes a mirror mounting button
1316b at an outer portion for mounting an interior rearview mirror
assembly thereto. As shown in FIG. 38D, mount extension 1316 may include
an accessory mounting or loading member 1316d, such as a strip of two
sided adhesive foam or the like, to secure the accessory 1338 to mount
extension 1316 and/or to load the accessory toward and against the
windshield 12.

[0184] Mount extension 1316 is mounted to button 1318 via insertion of
hooks 1316a into hook portion 1318a and then pressing mount extension
1316 toward button 1318 to engage springs 1316c with hook portion 131813.
The accessory 1338 may then be loaded and retained against the windshield
by mount extension 1316. Accessory module 1310 further includes a cover
or housing 1328 which is secured to mount extension 1316, such as via
fasteners 1329 (FIG. 38D) or the like.

[0185] With reference to FIGS. 39A-41, another embodiment of the present
invention includes a mounting button 1318', which may be generally
ring-shaped and includes a raised tab or hook portion 1318a' along one
wall and a pair of openings 1318c' defined within a pair of raised loops
or rings 1318d' at or toward an opposite end of button 1318' from raised
tab 1318a' (FIGS. 39A and 39B). A corresponding mounting button 1316' may
include side walls and a mirror mounting button 1316b' (FIGS. 40A and
40B). A lip or extension or hook 1316a' may extend outwardly from a lower
portion of one end or wall of mount extension 1316', while a pair of tabs
or hooks 1316c', such as a stamped member or spring, may extend from each
side of mount extension 1316'. Lip 1316a' may be inserted within raised
tab 1318a' of button 1318 and then mounting extension 1316' may be pushed
generally toward the button 1318' and windshield 12 to secure the
mounting extension 1316' to the button 1318'. As shown in FIG. 41, as
mounting extension 1316' is pressed onto button 1318', hooks 1316c' may
flex outwardly as they slide over the raised rings or portions 1318d'
around the openings 1318c', and then flex inward into engagement with the
openings 1318c' in button 1318' to retain mounting extension 1316' to
button 1318'. Although shown as having openings 1318c' and hooks 1316c'
positioned along the side of the respective components, the openings and
hooks may be positioned along an upper side or edge of the button 1318'
and mount extension 1316', respectively, without affecting the scope of
the present invention.

[0186] As shown in FIG. 40B, mounting extension 1316' may include one or
more accessories 1338', such as a rain sensor or the like. The components
of accessory 1338' may be positioned or clipped or snapped into the
appropriate spaces or openings or recesses 1316d' in mounting extension
1316'. A housing or casing (not shown) of the accessory module may be
provided around and secured to the mounting extension 1316', such as
discussed above. Mount extension 1316' may further provide one or more
fastening locations (not shown), such as threaded openings or the like,
for receiving a fastener to secure the cover or housing of the accessory
module thereon, such as discussed above with respect to accessory module
1310.

[0187] Referring now to FIGS. 42A-44, a ring-shaped mounting button 1418
(FIGS. 42A and 42B) may be secured to a windshield and includes a
plurality of generally rigid raised tabs, hooks or extensions 1418a
spaced around a perimeter wall 1418b of button 1418 (the hooks may be
spaced or positioned at two or more of the sides of button 1418). The
tabs 1418a may have a generally flat locking surface 1418a' for engaging
and locking at a retaining spring 1419, as discussed below. A mounting
extension 1416 includes a mirror mounting button 1416b and side walls
1416c (FIGS. 43A-C). Each of the side walls 1416c may include a retaining
spring 1419 connected thereto, such as at a pair of openings or apertures
1416c' at opposite ends of each side wall 1416c. The springs are
positioned generally along a lip or tab or hook 1416a of the respective
side walls 1416e. As shown in FIG. 43C, the retaining springs 1419 may be
curved or wave-shaped to allow for flexing of the spring at the desired
regions as the spring engages the respective tab 1418a on the button
1418. As can be seen with reference to FIG. 44, as mounting extension
1416 is pressed onto and over tabs 1418a of button 1418, springs 1419
will flex as tabs 1418a engage the springs and will function to engage
the locking surface 1418a' of tabs 1418a when mounting extension 1416 is
pressed over the button 1418 and toward the windshield a sufficient
amount. The tabs 1416a and 1418a and the spring 1419 function to limit or
substantially preclude disconnection of the mounting extension 1416 from
the button 1418 after the mounting extension 1416 has been mounted on
button 1418 and loaded against the windshield.

[0188] As shown in FIGS. 45A and 45B, a mounting button 1518 useful with
an accessory module of the present invention may be generally
ring-shaped, as discussed above, and may provide multiple mounting
portions or tabs or apertures 1518a for mounting to a correspondingly
formed mounting portion of a mounting extension (not shown). Mounting
button 1518 further includes a mirror mounting button 1517 extending from
a portion thereof, such as extending upward from an upper wall 1518b of
mounting button 1518. Mounting button 1518 may then receive or mount a
mounting extension and associated housing of an accessory module at
mounting portions 1518a, while receiving an interior rearview mirror
assembly (not shown) at button 1517, such that the mirror assembly may be
positioned generally above the accessory module.

[0189] Referring now to FIGS. 46A-48, a mounting extension 1616 mounts to
a ring-shaped mounting button 1618 and is retained thereto via a
retaining hook or retainer 1619 (FIG. 48). As shown in FIGS. 46A-C,
mounting button 1618 includes side walls 1618c, which include a plurality
of spaced apart, raised tabs or extensions 1618a extending upwardly or
outwardly therefrom. Each of the tabs 1618a includes a generally flat
locking surface 1618a'. Likewise, mounting extension 1616 includes
opposite side walls 1616c with a plurality of spaced apart tabs or
extensions 1616a extending downwardly or outwardly therefrom (FIGS. 47A
and 47B). Each of the tabs 1616a also includes a generally flat locking
surface 1616a'. Similar to mounting extension 16, mounting extension 1616
also includes a mirror mounting button 1616b for receiving an interior
rearview mirror assembly at an outer end of mounting extension 1616 from
the windshield of the vehicle.

[0190] Mounting tabs 1618a and 1616a are correspondingly spaced and
alternating so as to align with the gaps between the other tabs 1616a and
1618a, respectively. As mounting extension 1616 is pressed toward
mounting button 1618, the tabs align with the respective gaps and the
mounting extension is moved toward the windshield until the flat locking
surfaces 1618a' and 1616a' generally oppose one another and define a gap
therebetween, as shown in FIG. 48. Retaining hook 1619, which may be a
separate component or may be part of a housing or casing or cover of the
accessory module associated with mounting extension 1616, may then be
slid or snapped or otherwise positioned between the opposed surfaces
1618a', 1616a' to secure the mounting extension 1616 to the mounting
button 1618. For example, retaining hook 1619 may be a generally
continuous edge or lip of a cover or housing of the accessory module, and
may snap or slide between all of the hooks or tabs on both sides of the
button and the mounting extension. The cover may be a separate part or
may be attached to the mounting extension, without affecting the scope of
the present invention. As the mounting extension is pressed into place on
the button, the retainer 1619 flexes outward as it engages the hooks of
the button, and then snaps into place between the hooks once it clears
the hooks of the button. As shown in FIG. 47A, mounting extension 1616
may also include openings or holes 1616e for receiving posts or the like
from the cover or housing of the accessory module to secure the cover to
the mounting extension.

[0191] Referring now to FIGS. 49A-51, a mounting extension 1716 (FIGS. 50A
and 50B) mounts to a ring-shaped mounting button 1718 (FIGS. 49A and 49B)
and is retained thereto via a retainer or plug 1719 (FIG. 51). As shown
in FIGS. 49A and 49B, mounting button 1718 includes side walls 1718c,
which include a plurality of raised rings or loops 1718b extending
upwardly or outwardly therefrom. Each of the tabs 1718b defines an
opening 1718a therethrough. Likewise, mounting extension 1716 includes
opposite side walls 1716c with a plurality of openings 1716a therethrough
(FIG. 50B). Similar to mounting extension 16, mounting extension 1716
also includes a mirror mounting button 1716b for receiving an interior
rearview mirror assembly at an outer end of mounting extension 1716 from
the windshield of the vehicle (FIGS. 50A and 50B).

[0192] Mounting openings 1718a and 1716a are correspondingly spaced so as
to align with one another as mounting extension 1716 is positioned at
mounting button 1718. When the openings are aligned with one another,
retainer 1719 engages the openings to retain the mounting extension 1716
to mounting button 1718. As shown in FIG. 51, retainer 1719 includes a
pair of opposite engaging portions or locking portions 1719a and a pair
of springs or biasing members 1719b between the locking portions 1719a.
Each of the locking portions 1719a includes a pair of locking extensions
1719c for inserting through the openings 1718a, 1716a to secure the
mounting extension 1716 to the mounting button 1718. Retainer 1719 may
further include a center extension 1719d which may be pushed inward to
retract the locking extensions 1719c, in order to allow the locking
extensions to be aligned with the openings 1718a of button 1718. The
center extension 1719d may be pressed inwardly partially through a center
hole or opening 1716d in side walls 1716c of mounting extension 1716, and
then released when the openings 1716a, 1718a are aligned. Retainer 1719
may be slidably positioned within mounting extensions 1716 and biased in
opposite outwardly directions, such that as mounting extension 1716 is
placed at mounting button 1718, the locking extensions 1719c will slide
outwardly through opening 1718a when the openings 1716a, 1718a are
aligned and the center extension 1719d is released.

[0193] Referring to FIGS. 52A, 52B and 53, another ring-shaped mounting
button 1818 may be secured to a windshield 12 for mounting a mounting
extension 1816 of an accessory module 1810 thereto. Mounting button 1818
includes a raised lip or hook or projection 1818a extending from one wall
1818c of button 1818. A second button or fastening member or portion 1817
may be positioned on the windshield 12 and spaced from button 1818.
Mounting extension 1816 includes a lip or extension 1816a extending
therefrom for engagement with and within the raised lip or hook 1818a of
mounting button 1818. The accessory module 1810 further includes a
fastener portion 1819 having an opening or passageway 1819a therethrough,
which is spaced from mounting extension 1816 but is fixedly secured or
mechanically fastened to mounting extension 1816. For example, fastener
portion 1819 may be part of a housing or casing (a portion of which is
shown at 1828 in FIG. 53) of the accessory module 1810 which is
mechanically fastened to the mounting extension, or may otherwise be
generally rigidly connected to mounting extension 1816. As can be seen
with reference to FIGS. 52B and 53, lip 1816a of mounting extension 1816
is inserted into the raised projection 1818a of mounting button 1818,
such that fastener portion 1819 is generally aligned with second button
1817 at the windshield. A fastener (not shown) may then be driven through
passageway 1819a and into second button 1817, which may have a threaded
opening 1817a or the like.

[0194] Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 54A, 54B and 55, a second button or
fastening portion 1817' may include a hook or lip 1817a' extending from
the windshield 12. A fastener portion 1819' of an accessory module 1810'
may then include a correspondingly formed lip or snap 1819a' which
engages lip 1817a' as the accessory module and/or the mounting extension
is pressed toward the windshield. As discussed above, fastener portion
1819' may be connected to or mechanically fastened to mount extension
1816, such as via a housing or casing 1828' of accessory module 1810'.
The corresponding lip portions function to retain the mounting extension
and the accessory module to the mounting button at the windshield.

[0195] Also, as shown in FIGS. 56A and 56B, mounting button 1818 may be
mounted to the windshield 12 near a headliner 13 of a vehicle. As shown
in FIG. 57, the vehicle may include a tab or mounting portion 1817'',
such as a tab protruding from the sheet metal 15 of the vehicle. An
accessory module 1810'' includes the mounting extension (not shown in
FIGS. 56A, 56B and 57) and further includes a snap or tab 1819''
extending therefrom for engagement with the tab 1817''. As discussed
above, the snap 1819'' is mechanically fastened to the mounting
extension. As the lip 1816a of mount extension 1816 is inserted into lip
1818a of button 1818, the tab 1819'' may be inserted into the headliner
13 and into engagement with tab 1817'' to secure the accessory module
1810'' to the vehicle. The accessory module may thus hook onto the
windshield button and then snap into the headliner of the vehicle. The
housing or cover 1828'' of the accessory module is preferably formed so
as to substantially cover tab 1819'' to enhance the appearance of the
accessory module 1810''.

[0196] Referring now to FIGS. 58A-D, another embodiment of an accessory
module 1910 in accordance with the present invention is mountable at and
loadable against an interior surface of a vehicle windshield, such as in
a similar manner as discussed above with accessory module 10. Accessory
module 1910 is substantially similar to accessory modules 10 and 910
discussed above, such that a detailed discussion of the features and
characteristics of the accessory module will not be repeated herein. A
housing 1928 of accessory module 1910 may include a recessed area 1928a
around a mirror mounting member 1916b of a mount extension, in order to
provide clearance for slidable engagement of a mirror mount 1920 onto
mounting member or button 1916b of the mount extension. The recessed area
1928a allows the mirror mount 1920 of an interior rearview mirror
assembly 1914 to be positioned within the recessed area, while allowing
for slidable mounting of the mirror mount 1920 to the button 1916b. The
mirror mount 1920 may be secured to button 1916b via a fastener 1920a or
other fastening or securing means, without affecting the scope of the
present invention.

[0197] Referring now to FIGS. 59, 60 and 61A-I, upper portions of various
accessory modules or accessory module assemblies are shown. The upper
portion or head portion or accessory housing may provide a compass
display, a temperature display and/or other information displays or the
like for viewing by a driver of the vehicle above the rearview mirror
assembly. The upper portion may include user inputs, such as buttons for
actuating a telematics system, a communication system and/or the like.
The upper portion of the accessory module may further include a
microphone at a lower region thereof. The accessory module may be
otherwise substantially similar to the various embodiments of accessory
modules discussed above, such that a detailed discussion of the accessory
module will not be included herein. The accessory modules may receive an
electrochromic mirror assembly, as shown in FIG. 59, or a prismatic
mirror assembly, as shown in FIG. 60, without affecting the scope of the
present invention.

[0198] The upper portion or head portion may include all of the electronic
components or electronic circuitry necessary to provide the desired
function of the upper portion, while the lower portion or base may be a
common part to any of the accessory modules, such as those shown in FIGS.
59-61I, irrespective of the accessory or accessories housed in or
associated with the respective head portions. The head portions may
provide one or more accessories or functions, and may be swapped or
switched to provide other accessories or functions to the respective base
portion. For example, a head portion may provide a compass and/or
temperature function, such as shown in FIGS. 61A-I, and/or may provide a
telematics function (and may include a microphone), such as shown in
FIGS. 61C-E, 61H and 61I, and/or may provide any other suitable or
desirable accessory or function. A particular head portion, which may
have the desired accessory or combination of accessories and associated
controls or buttons, may thus be selected and mounted to a common base
portion for mounting the desired accessory module to a vehicle having the
corresponding options or features. As can be seen in FIGS. 59-61I, the
head portion extends generally rearwardly from the mounting portion with
respect to the vehicle and is viewable and/or user accessible generally
above the rearview mirror when the accessory module assembly is mounted
in the vehicle, but optionally may be at a side or below the mirror.

[0199] It is envisioned that in some vehicle button arrangements, the
distance between the mounting button on the windshield and the headliner
of the vehicle may not provide sufficient clearance to allow an accessory
module of the present invention to align with the attachment member or
mounting button during installation of the accessory module onto the
button. The extender and/or accessory module must have enough clearance
to slide down onto and into engagement with the button on the windshield.
In situations where the distance between the button and the headliner is
insufficient to provide clearance for the accessory module during
installation of the accessory module (i.e., the top of the accessory
module may interfere with the headliner as the accessory module is being
installed on the mounting button or the windshield form may interfere
with the accessory module above the mounting button, such that the
accessory module or operator or worker at the vehicle assembly line may
mark or damage the headliner or may foul or scratch the windshield as the
operator at the assembly line mounts the accessory module to the mounting
button), an articulatable accessory module of the present invention may
be provided which includes a jointed portion or joint, hinge or pivot to
allow for folding or bending of the accessory module.

[0200] For example, and with reference to FIGS. 62A, 62B and 63A-D, a
foldable or articulatable accessory module or accessory module assembly
or windshield electronics module or assembly 2010 (and/or the
articulatable accessory module or windshield electronics module 2010'
shown in FIG. 65) includes a mounting or base portion or lower extension
2011a and an articulatable or foldable head portion or accessory housing
2011b, which is pivotally or foldably mounted to mounting portion 2011a.
Accessory module 2010, 2010' is adapted so head portion 2011b can fold
down toward and may be stowed at or near or along mounting portion 2011a,
such that the accessory module 2010, 2010' may be assembled on the
windshield in the folded orientation and then unfolded to an unfolded
orientation at the windshield of the vehicle, as discussed below.
Mounting portion 2011a includes a mount (such as mount 2016a of mounting
portion 2011a' in FIG. 64A) which is configured to slide over an
attachment member, such as a button (also not shown), positioned at
and/or affixed to a windshield of a vehicle, in a similar manner as
described above. Mounting portion 2011a also provides an attachment
member, such as button 2016b (FIGS. 63A-D), for receiving a mounting
portion 2014a of an interior rearview mirror assembly 2014. Interior
rearview mirror assembly 2014 may comprise any mirror assembly
manufactured with a mount, such as, for example, a wedge type mount or
any other mirror mount type, which is adapted for mounting to button
2016b of mounting portion 2011a. The mirror assembly 2014 may comprise
one of a family of base prismatic mirror assemblies or base
electrochromic mirror assemblies, since additional features typically
added as part of a mirror assembly may be part of or housed in the
accessory module 2010, 2010'.

[0201] Head portion or accessory housing 2011b may comprise an upper and
lower cover which are sandwiched around a pivot or pivot axle or rods
2011d of a mount extension 2011a' (FIGS. 64A and 64B) which protrudes or
extends from base portion 2011a. Also sandwiched inside the head portion
are the electronics and circuitry which provide the desired functions and
accessories to accessory module 2010, 2010'. Head portion 2011b may
include one or more accessories and/or electronic circuitry for one or
more accessories and/or a printed circuit board (not shown), such as
described above. Head portion 2011b also may provide a display element or
display 2054, such as a compass display, a temperature display and/or any
other information or status display and/or the like, at an end of head
portion 2011b which extends over and is viewable above the mirror
reflective element 2014b and casing 2014c, as can be seen in FIGS. 62A
and 62B. Display 2054 may include a display lens, buttons or other user
input devices and/or a combination of a display lens and buttons
depending on the particular display function and application of accessory
module 2010, 2010'. The head portion 2011b may also provide user
interface controls or buttons and/or accessories (not shown), such as
described above.

[0202] The two cover pieces of head portion 2011b may be molded out of a
polymeric resin, such as an ABS, a glass filled Nylon or some other
engineering grade plastic or the like which may be suited to the desired
application by providing or achieving the desired rigidity, appearance,
moldability, cost and/or the like. The display lens may comprise an
acrylic material or a polycarbonate material or other suitable light
transmitting polymeric material or the like which provides the desired
optical properties and resistance to scratches. The buttons may comprise
an engineering grade plastic and/or a resilient/elastomeric plastic, such
as silicone or the like, or an elastomeric thermoplastic, such as
Santoprene® or the like, depending on the particular application and
the desired appearance, wear, backlighting, cost and/or the like.

[0203] Lower extension or base portion 2011a may comprise an upper and
lower cover sandwiched around mount extension 2011a' which includes pivot
axle 2011d that protrudes out of the cover pieces to provide the
rotational pivot for the head portion 2011b. The mount extension 2011a'
provides the ability of mounting onto a conventional mirror mounting
button or attachment member on the windshield, such as a wedge style
button or the like on the windshield, while also providing a secondary
mirror mounting button or attachment member that a conventional channel
mount of a rearview mirror assembly may mate to. The mount extension
2011a' may comprise a die cast piece, such as comprising aluminum or
other metallic material or the like, depending on which best meets the
desired rigidity and cost criterion of the extension. The two cover
pieces may be molded out of a polymeric resin, such as a an ABS, a glass
filled Nylon or some other engineering grade plastic or the like which
may be suitable for the application of accessory module 2010, 2010'.

[0204] The lower extension or base portion 2011a of accessory module 2010,
2010' may be assembled by locating the mount extension 2011a' onto posts
or the like molded in the upper cover of the base portion. The upper
cover may include snap features along a perimeter of the cover and the
lower cover may have mating snap features along a perimeter, such that
the upper cover may snap to the lower cover around the mount extension.
The base portion may include anti-vibration/anti-rattle elements. For
example, either or both covers may have crush ribs molded into them that
may allow the covers to hold tightly to the mount extension to
substantially preclude a rattle condition and also to take up any
tolerance difference from part to part.

[0205] The head portion may be assembled by snapping the lower cover onto
the mount extension. The printed circuit board (PCB) may be located onto
posts or the like that may be molded in the lower cover of the head. The
display lens or buttons may be slid into a groove that is molded into the
lower cover. The upper cover may snap onto or otherwise secure to the
lower cover. The head portion may include anti-vibration/anti-rattle
elements. For example, either or both covers may have crush ribs molded
into them that may allow the covers to hold tightly to the printed
circuit board and display lens to substantially preclude a rattle
condition and also to take up any tolerance difference from part to part.

[0206] When assembled together, head portion 2011b is pivotally mounted to
base portion 2011a, such as at an upper end of base portion 2011a. Pivot
axle 2011d of mount extension 2011a' has two rod shapes that come out of
the top of the mount extension and may be snapped into corresponding
cylindrical sockets (not shown) in the lower cover of the head portion as
the head portion is attached to the base portion. Head portion 2011b thus
may be pivotably attached to pivot axle or rods 2011d of mount extension
2011a' of base portion 2011a, and may be generally fixedly retained in
one or more desired orientations relative to base portion 2011a, such as
via a knob or bump on one of the components (such as the knob or bump
2011f on mount extension 2011a' in FIGS. 64A and 64B) sliding in a groove
(not shown) until it engages a divot (also not shown) in the other
component to lock the head portion in place relative to the base portion.
For example, the groove and the divot may be features that are molded
into the lower cover of the head portion, and may be located around a
pivot point defined at the cylindrical socket or sockets that are also
molded into the lower cover of the head portion for receiving the pivot
axle or rods 2011d. The knob or raised bump 2011f or the like may be
provided next to each of the rods 2011d of mount extension 2011a' such
that when the lower cover of the head portion is assembled to the mount
extension 2011a', the knobs 2011f may slide in the corresponding grooves
as the head portion is rotated about the pivot axle until the knobs lock
in place in the divots to secure the head portion in a desired
orientation relative to the base portion.

[0207] In order to provide clearance to the headliner of the vehicle
during the installation of the accessory module 2010, 2010' to the
attachment member or mounting button, head portion 2011b may fold down
toward mounting portion 2011a to an installation or mounting or folded
position or orientation (FIGS. 63C and 63D), such that head portion 2011b
will not interfere with the headliner while mounting portion 2011a is
slid down along and over the mounting button on the vehicle windshield.
Head portion 2011b is mounted to mounting portion 2011a at a pivot joint
2011c, such as defined by pivot axle or rods 2011d and the corresponding
sockets, and is foldable or articulatable between the installation or
mounting or folded orientation or position and an installed or in-use or
non-folded orientation or position (FIGS. 62A, 62B, 63A, 63B and 65).
When in the folded orientation, head portion 2011b is positioned
generally along the mounting portion, such as shown in FIGS. 63C and 63D.
Pivot joint 2011c may comprise a spring-loaded pivot joint or the like,
which may have a biasing element or biasing member or spring or the like,
and which may be biased toward the installed position to substantially
secure or retain the head portion 2011b in the installed or non-folded
position after the accessory module is mounted to the windshield mounting
button or the like. Optionally, the pivot joint 2011c may provide detents
or stops to retain the head portion 2011b in one of the positions
relative to mounting portion 2011a. As shown in FIGS. 64A and 64B, a
mounting portion 2011a' may provide a pivot axle or bar 2011d, which may
be pivotally received in a corresponding clasp or groove (not shown) of
the head portion. The base and head portions 2011a, 2011b of accessory
module 2010, 2010' may comprise plastic material, such as engineering
plastics or the like, or may be die cast components, which may be covered
with a cosmetic plastic cover and/or may be decorated, such as by being
painted or by use of a decorative film applique or tape of the like,
without affecting the scope of the present invention.

[0208] The articulatable accessory module 2010, 2010' thus may fold or
articulate between a mounting or folded orientation or position, which
facilitates mounting of the accessory module assembly to the mounting
member or button on the windshield by reducing or obviating mechanical
interference between the head portion and the roof structure, such as at
the joint between the vehicle windshield and the roof area, such as at
the headliner area, and an in-use or non-folded orientation or position,
where the accessory module is unfolded after mounting to the mounting
member or button on the windshield, in order for the accessory to be
usable/viewable by the driver or occupant of the vehicle during normal
use in the vehicle. Such folding/articulation may include a breakaway
capability, whereby should the mirror head be impacted, such as in an
accident, the mirror head would move and/or break away to reduce
potential injuries.

[0209] The windshield manufacturer at the windshield manufacturing site or
facility may place or adhere or bond or otherwise secure a mounting
member or mounting button on an interior surface of a windshield and
toward the upper portion of the windshield in a conventional manner, and
may ship the windshield (with the mounting button attached thereto) to a
vehicle or automobile assembly plant where the windshield and other
components of a vehicle are assembled to a vehicle or automobile as the
vehicle moves along the vehicle assembly line. The accessory module may
be supplied or provided to the vehicle assembly plant from an accessory
module supply or assembly site or facility with a corresponding mirror
assembly already attached or mounted thereto, or the mirror assembly may
be supplied from a mirror assembly or supply site or facility and may be
mounted or attached to the accessory module at the vehicle assembly
plant, without affecting the scope of the present invention. As the
vehicle proceeds along the assembly line, with the windshield (and
button) installed thereon, an operator may mount an appropriate accessory
module and rearview mirror assembly to the mounting button.

[0210] In some vehicles, there may be insufficient clearance between the
mounting button and the headliner or header or roof of the vehicle to
facilitate non-interference mounting of an accessory module, whereby a
non-folded accessory module may interfere with the headliner or the
accessory module. Also, in some vehicles, regardless of whether there is
sufficient clearance between the mounting button and the headliner, the
curvature or shape of the windshield may hinder or limit attachment of an
accessory module onto the mounting button, whereby an accessory module or
the operator may foul or scratch or otherwise mark the windshield above
the mounting button during the installation process. However, the
articulatable accessory module of the present invention avoids such
interferences by providing an articulatable head portion which folds down
for installation of the accessory module onto the mounting button. The
operator thus may mount the articulatable accessory module to the
mounting button while the accessory module is in its folded orientation
(which reduces the space required to install the accessory module and
thus avoids interference with the headliner and/or the windshield during
the installation process), and then may unfold the accessory module to
its non-folded orientation after the accessory module is mounted to the
mounting button on the windshield.

[0211] During the installation process of attaching accessory module 2010,
2010' to the windshield of a vehicle, head portion 2011b may be
articulated or folded down relative to mounting portion 2011a to the
installation position or orientation, where the head portion may be
positioned generally along the mounting portion. The head portion 2011b
may be held in this position by an operator installing the accessory
module 2010, 2010' or may be retained in this position by a detent or
other locking device or retainer. Mounting portion 2011a is then
positioned at the windshield and above the attachment member or mounting
button to align the mount of mounting portion 2011a with the attachment
member or mounting button. Because head portion 2011b is folded down
toward or generally along or over mounting portion 2011a (as shown in
FIGS. 63C and 63D), head portion 2011b is lowered to provide additional
clearance between the accessory module 2010, 2010' and the headliner of
the vehicle and/or the windshield itself during the installation process.
Mounting portion 2011a is then slid down along and onto or over the
attachment member or mounting button and secured thereto in a similar
manner as discussed above. The folded down position also may allow a
vehicle harness to be connected to the accessory module without
obstruction or the need for secondary covers or the like.

[0212] After mounting portion 2011a is secured to the attachment member,
such as a mounting button, of the windshield, and after the wire or wire
harness (if applicable) is connected to the vehicle wire harness or
accessory module, the head portion 2011b may be unfolded or moved to its
installed or in-use position, as shown in FIGS. 62A, 62B, 63A, 63B and
65. The head portion 2011b may be manually moved to its in-use position
by the operator (such as by pushing the head portion to overcome the
detents or the like or by releasing a locking device or retainer or the
like), or may automatically unfold or move to its in-use position upon
release of the head portion by the operator (such as by a spring loaded
or biased pivot joint or the like). When raised or moved to the in-use or
installed position, the operator (i.e., the worker at the vehicle
assembly line) or the spring or biasing member may urge the head portion
toward the windshield to a preferred position or orientation with respect
to the particular vehicle at which the accessory module is mounted, so
that, for example, the head portion extends generally rearwardly and is
generally horizontal and the buttons or display or the like of the head
portion are facing generally rearward with respect to the vehicle.
Optionally, a stiffening member 2017 (FIG. 64C) may be provided along
base or mounting portion 2011a and/or head portion 2011b to support and
retain or substantially lock the head portion in its installed and in-use
position.

[0213] For example, during assembly of a vehicle at a vehicle assembly
plant, a windshield (with a mounting attachment or button or the like
affixed or mounted thereto) may be supplied or provided at the vehicle
assembly plant and installed at a vehicle at an assembly line. An
operator may install the articulatable accessory module assembly of the
present invention by folding the accessory module to its folded
orientation and sliding or otherwise moving or positioning or mounting
the mounting portion of the accessory module onto the mounting attachment
at the windshield. The operator (or a retaining device, such as a detent,
band or clip or the like) may retain the accessory module in its folded
orientation during the mounting process. The operator (or another
operator or a spring or biasing element or the like) may then unfold or
pivot or urge the accessory module to its non-folded orientation after
the accessory module is mounted to the mounting attachment. The operator
may install the accessory module to the mounting attachment with the
mirror assembly already mounted to the accessory module (where the
accessory module and mirror assembly may be provided as an assembled unit
or where the operator first mounts the mirror assembly to the mounting
attachment of the accessory module before mounting the accessory module
(with the mirror assembly mounted thereto) to the mounting attachment at
the windshield), or the accessory module may be mounted to the mounting
attachment at the windshield separate from the mirror assembly (where the
operator or another operator along the assembly line mounts the mirror
assembly to the accessory module after the accessory module has been
mounted to the mounting attachment at the windshield and preferably after
the accessory module is unfolded to its non-folded orientation).
Optionally, and preferably before the accessory module is unfolded to its
non-folded orientation, an operator may complete an electrical connection
between the accessory module and the vehicle wiring, such as by
connecting a wire or wire harness of the accessory module to a
corresponding wire or socket or the like of the vehicle, or by connecting
a wire or wire harness of the vehicle to the accessory module, or by
contacting one or more electrical contacts at the vehicle, such as at the
windshield, mounting attachment or headliner of the vehicle, with one or
more corresponding electrical contacts of the accessory module.

[0214] As best shown in FIG. 65, head portion 2011b may be pivotable or
articulatable about a pivot axis which comprises a generally horizontal
pivot axis when the base portion 2011a is mounted to the mounting button
on the windshield. The base portion 2011a extends generally upward from
the mounting button when attached thereto and may extend generally along
the windshield. The head portion 2011b extends generally rearwardly with
respect to the vehicle and may extend generally horizontally from an
upper portion or upper end portion of the base portion when the base
portion is mounted to the mounting button on the windshield and the head
portion is in the non-folded or in-use orientation or position. The head
portion 2011b and/or the display region of the head portion is then
viewable and/or user accessible generally above the mirror assembly when
the mirror assembly is mounted to the base portion 2011a.

[0215] Optionally, it is further envisioned that head portion 2011b may
include a camera-based accessory (not shown), such as a rain sensor or
the like, at a forward end 2011e of head portion 2011b, such that
unfolding of head portion 2011b from mounting portion 2011a moves the
accessory toward the windshield. In the movement of the head portion
2011b toward the in-use position, the head portion may urge the accessory
or rain sensor into contact with the interior surface of the windshield
and preferably into optical contact with the windshield so that the
accessory or rain sensor is optically coupled with the windshield.

[0216] After the accessory module 2010, 2010' is installed and head
portion 2011b is moved to its installed position, the interior rearview
mirror assembly 2014 may be mounted and secured to the mirror attachment
member or attachment button 2016b in a similar manner as discussed above.
As shown in FIGS. 62A and 62B, head portion 2011b extends over the
reflective element 2014b and casing 2014c of the interior rearview mirror
assembly 2014 so as to be viewable by the driver of the vehicle. The head
portion 2011b may be configured to provide optimal viewing of the display
2054 by the driver and/or may be adjustable by the driver to adjust the
angle of the display with respect to the driver (such as described above
with respect to accessory module 1010) when the head portion is in the
installed position.

[0217] If an electrochromic (EC) mirror assembly or lighted mirror
assembly or other type of prismatic or electrochromic mirror assembly
requiring electrical connection is to be assembled to the accessory
module, the printed circuit board that is assembled in the head portion
may have a harness or wire 2080 (FIG. 65) that is routed between the
covers and out of a hole in the accessory module, such as a hole located
on the passenger side parting line of the accessory module (not shown in
FIG. 65). The harness may have a connector or plug 2080a, which may be
connected to or plugged into the mirror assembly, such as into a socket
or outlet 2082 provided at a rear portion of the casing 2024 of the
mirror assembly 2014, to provide the power and/or controls needed for the
mirror assembly and/or accessories or components thereof to function. The
harness may be routed along or through a mounting arm 2022 of the mirror
assembly 2014 between the accessory module and the rear of the mirror
casing 2024 of the rearview mirror assembly. As shown in FIG. 65,
accessory module 2010' may include a wire cover 2084 extending upward
from head portion 2011b generally along the windshield 12 and toward the
headliner of the vehicle for routing a wire or wire harness 2086 along
and through the wire cover between the accessory module and the headliner
of the vehicle to provide electrical connection between the accessory
module and a vehicle wiring harness in or at the headliner or roof
portion of the vehicle.

[0218] Accordingly, the head portion of the accessory module assembly of
the present invention may be foldably mounted to the mounting or base
portion to ease installation of the accessory module to an attachment
member or mounting button at a windshield of a vehicle. The pivot joint
may be positioned generally above the location of the mounting portion of
the extender on the module, such that pivoting, folding, articulating or
bending of the module at the pivot joint decreases the effective length
or height of the accessory module above the mounting portion, in order to
provide additional clearance between the uppermost portion of the
accessory module and the headliner of the vehicle during installation of
the accessory module. The accessory module may be provided to the vehicle
assembly plant in a folded over orientation to facilitate assembly or
installation of the accessory module onto the mounting button. After the
accessory module is mounted to the mounting button, the accessory module
may be unfolded or straightened out to its unfolded orientation. The
accessory module may be spring loaded to ease the'unfolding process after
the accessory module is mounted to the button. The accessory module may
then be unfolded and may snap or otherwise lock or secure in the unfolded
orientation to substantially preclude folding or bending of the accessory
module after installation of the accessory module to the mounting button
on the windshield of the vehicle. Although shown as being unfolded to be
positioned generally above the rearview mirror assembly when the rearview
mirror assembly is mounted to the accessory module assembly, it is
envisioned that the accessory module or accessory module assembly of the
present invention may also or otherwise extend sidewardly or downwardly
to be viewable and/or accessible at one or both sides of the rearview
mirror assembly or generally below the rearview mirror assembly.

[0219] Referring now to FIGS. 66A-C, 67A-D and 68A-F, a windshield mounted
electronic accessory module 2110 comprises a mounting module 2110a
mounted or secured to an interior surface of a windshield (shown at 2112
as a portion of the windshield) and an accessory housing 2111 mounted to
the mounting module 2110a. Accessory housing 2111 includes a casing 2111a
and a cover plate 2111b (shown removed from casing 2111a in FIG. 66C)
mounted to casing 2111a and defining a windshield facing side or surface
2111c of housing 2111. Housing 2111 may also provide user interface
buttons or controls 2111d at an interior surface or portion 2111e of
casing 2111a for a user to press or adjust to control the accessory or
accessories associated with accessory module 2110 or other accessories or
the like associated with the vehicle.

[0220] Casing 2111a includes an aperture or passageway 2115 therethrough
for receiving a mirror mounting extension 2116 and mirror mounting button
2116b of accessory mounting module 2110a, discussed below. Cover plate
2111b defines a cavity 2113 which is recessed within casing 2111a.
Accessory module housing 2111 includes a camera or image sensor (not
shown), which is positioned within housing 2111 and aligned with an
aperture or opening 2113a at cavity 2113 of cover plate 2111b. As can be
seen with reference to FIGS. 68B-D, cavity 2113 is angled with respect to
the windshield facing side or surface 2111c of cover plate 2111b, such
that the camera is positioned generally horizontally and directed
forwardly through the windshield 2112 when accessory module housing 2111
is mounted to mounting module 2110a, as discussed below.

[0221] Accessory mounting module 2110a is substantially similar to
accessory module 1310, discussed above, and includes an accessory 2138,
such as a rain sensor or the like, which may be loaded against the
interior surface of the windshield, such as by using the principles
disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,341,523 and 6,250,148, and/or in U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/023,162, filed Dec. 17, 2001, now U.S.
Pat. No. 6,516,664; and Ser. No. 10/348,514, filed Jan. 21, 2003, now
U.S. Pat. No. 6,968,736, which are all hereby incorporated herein by
reference. Accessory mounting module 2110a is mounted at the interior
surface of the windshield, such as via an attachment member or mounting
button at the windshield or via a suitable adhesive or bonding material
or the like. As discussed above with respect to accessory module 1310, a
central region of accessory mounting module 2110a is generally open to
receive accessory 2138 therein, such that accessory 2138 may be loaded
against the windshield at the center region of the module. Accessory
mounting module 2110a includes a mounting extension 2116 which further
includes a minor attachment member or mounting button 2116b at an end
thereof for mounting an interior rearview mirror assembly (not shown) to
mounting module 2110a. Because mounting module 2110a is substantially
similar to accessory module 1310 discussed above, a detailed discussion
of the module will not be repeated herein.

[0222] As can be seen with reference to FIGS. 68A-F, accessory module
housing 2111 may be mounted to accessory mounting module 2110a by
positioning accessory module housing 2111 at mounting module 2110a and
aligning aperture 2115 of housing 2111 with attachment member 2116b of
mounting module 2110. Accessory module housing 2111 may then be moved or
pressed into place over mounting module 2110a while attachment member
2116 protrudes through aperture 2115. As discussed above with respect to
accessory module 1310, accessory module housing 2111 may snap or
otherwise secure to mounting module 2110a to retain accessory module
housing 2111 at the windshield. The interior rearview mirror assembly may
then mount to mirror attachment member 2116b. When assembled and mounted
at the windshield, the camera of accessory module housing 2111 is
positioned adjacent to the cavity 2113 of cover plate 2111b and oriented
in a generally horizontal position for viewing through the aperture 2113a
and capturing an image of a scene occurring exteriorly and generally
forwardly of the vehicle.

[0223] It is further envisioned that the windshield facing surface 2110b
of the mounting module 2110a and/or the windshield facing surface 2111c
of housing 2111 may include a black out surface or material or skirt or
curtain type of layer or material, preferably a resilient material, such
as an elastomeric material, such as a silicone material or the like, or a
blackened or darkened or otherwise colored surface or layer, to provide a
black out region at the windshield interface of the mounting module 2110a
and/or housing 2111. The darkened or blackened region may provide a port
or aperture aligned with the rain sensor of the mounting module 2110a or
camera within the housing 2111. Thus, the need for a ceramic frit layer
or the like on the windshield at the mounting area of the accessory
module may be obviated. This also improves the assembly process of the
vehicle, since the operator does not have to align the rain sensor and/or
camera with an aperture in a frit layer as the operator mounts the
accessory mounting module to the windshield.

[0224] The present invention thus facilitates a reduction or
deproliferation of part numbers at a vehicle assembly plant. For optional
camera based accessories, such as rain sensors or headlamp controls or
the like, or other accessories which may be included in a windshield
mounted electronic accessory module of the present invention, multiple
different interior rearview mirror assemblies and associated part numbers
are not required. For example, the accessory module or modules may have
one part number or may have a family part number with a particular number
or letter assigned to the particular accessory option or combination
(such as, for example, an eight digit part number for the accessory
module followed by the letter A for a rain sensor only option, B for a
rain sensor option and a headlamp control option, and/or the like). The
vehicle line may then only have a restricted or reduced number of
different interior rearview mirror assemblies and associated part numbers
for use with the accessory modules (such as, for example, a base
prismatic mirror assembly, a lighted prismatic mirror assembly, a base
electrochromic mirror assembly and a lighted electrochromic mirror
assembly and/or the like). Thus, multiple mirror assemblies with various
options and their associated part numbers may not be required, thereby
improving the assembly process of the vehicle.

[0225] Therefore, the present invention provides an accessory module which
includes a head portion which extends from a mounting portion generally
rearwardly with respect to the vehicle and generally above an interior
rearview mirror assembly mounted or attached to the mounting portion of
the accessory module. The accessory module may also or otherwise include
a head portion which extends generally rearwardly with respect to the
vehicle and generally to one or both sides or generally below the
rearview mirror assembly mounted or attached to the mounting portion of
the accessory module. The head portion of the accessory module may be
movable or pivotable or articulatable relative to the mounting portion.
The head portion may articulate relative to the mounting portion to a
folded or mounting orientation to facilitate mounting of the accessory
module to the mounting attachment or button at the windshield. The
accessory module of the present invention thus enhances the process of
installing or mounting or attaching the accessory module to the button at
the vehicle windshield.

[0226] An accessory module in accordance with the present invention may be
movable into engagement with the windshield of a vehicle such that the
accessory module may be moved generally perpendicularly toward and loaded
against the windshield. The present invention may include a rotating
mirror mount/breakaway mount for mounting the accessory module to a mount
extension that includes electrical contacts. When the accessory module is
connected mechanically to the mount extension, the electrical contacts
may be inserted in such a way that the electrical connections are made at
the same time. The accessory module mount may comprise a single or dual
pivot mount or a breakaway mount. The accessory module mount may make
electrical connection or contact with electrical connectors or pins at
the mounting button or the like at the windshield or headliner of the
vehicle when the mount is mechanically connected or mounted to the
mounting button or mounting extension or the like. The accessory module
may be of the type disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 10/054,633, filed Jan. 22, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,195,381;
U.S. provisional applications Ser. No. 60/420,560, filed Oct. 23, 2002 by
Schofield et al. for VEHICLE ACCESSORY MODULE; Ser. No. 60/398,346, filed
Jul. 24, 2002 by Schofield et al. for VEHICLE ACCESSORY MODULE; Ser. No.
60/381,314, filed May 17, 2002 by Schofield et al. for VEHICLE ACCESSORY
MODULE; Ser. No. 60/374,724, filed Apr. 23, 2002 by Schofield et al. for
VEHICLE ACCESSORY MODULE; Ser. No. 60/364,008, filed Mar. 14, 2002 by
Schofield for VEHICLE ACCESSORY MODULE; and Ser. No. 60/350,965, filed
Jan. 31, 2002 by Schofield for VEHICLE ACCESSORY MODULE; and/or
International Publication No. WO 01/64481, published Sep. 7, 2001, which
are all hereby incorporated herein by reference.

[0227] Optionally, the accessory module mount may comprise a bolt on
mirror mount/breakaway mount that includes electrical contacts, such that
as the bolt on mirror mount is connected to the mount extension, the
electrical connections are made. Accordingly, when the accessory module
is connected mechanically (and tightened down), the electrical
connections are made to provide electrical power and signals to the
accessory module. Optionally, the accessory module may include a
rechargeable battery pack, such that no power connection to the vehicle
power source or battery is required. The rechargeable battery pack may be
detachable from the accessory module and may be plugged into a vehicle
power outlet for recharging, or a portion of the accessory module housing
the battery pack may be detachable for recharging of the battery pack.

[0228] The accessory module may be mounted at the windshield in a manner
which loads or biases the accessory module toward and against the
windshield. This provides, for example, an optical coupling of an
accessory of the accessory module with the surface of the window, such as
for a rain sensor which is coupled to the surface of the window.
Preferably, the accessory module is mounted to the button on the window
in a manner which allows perpendicular placement and loading of the
module and/or of a rain sensor or camera device to and against the
interior surface of the windshield. Optionally, accessory module
attachment or mounting member may be movable along the mounting member at
the surface of the window, wherein the attachment members are formed to
draw the meeting face of the electric module into intimate contact with
the surface of the window. The mirror attachment members may comprise a
narrowing or widening rail or the like, such that the interference
between the attachment members increases to tighten the members together
as one is slid or moved along the other.

[0229] The accessory module may include an image sensor, such as an
imaging array sensor, which is directed forward through the windshield
for imaging a forward field of view. The accessory module includes a
component that is positionable at the windshield to provide a form of a
dust or chemical fogging shroud. The component thus keeps the window
clean and unfogged in a portion near or at the image sensor of the
accessory module. The component, which may be a sealing member or the
like, is preferably loaded against the interior surface of the windshield
to define a seal around the image sensor so as to substantially seal the
image sensor within a chamber defined by the module and the interior
surface of the windshield. The component may be adjustable to adjust an
angle of the image sensor relative to horizontal or relative to the
windshield of the vehicle.

[0230] The accessory module may include a microphone and a shroud or cover
extending at least partially around or over the microphone to protect the
microphone from wind noise or blower noise or the like. For example, a
clamshell or half-cup type cover may extend over the microphone with the
microphone being placed partially therein or just above the shroud. The
shroud then functions to direct blown air around and/or away from the
microphone to prevent or limit the microphone from receiving or detecting
the blown air.

[0231] The accessory module may also include a forward looking image
sensor which is operable as an ambient light sensor, and which may
replace an EC forward ambient light sensor of the interior rearview
mirror. Optionally or additionally, a rearfacing image sensor may replace
an EC rearward ambient light sensor,

[0232] The accessory module may include a smart headlamp control, such as
disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,097,023 and 5,796,094, which are hereby
incorporated herein by reference. The headlamp control may be operable to
detect and recognize various street and/or traffic signs via an image
sensor. The image sensor and headlamp control may further be operable to
recognize the speed limit numbers on a speed limit sign and to warn the
driver if the vehicle exceeds the speed limit by a predetermined amount.
The accessory module may have an interface (such as voice, touch screen,
etc.) that would set a personal threshold for over-speed warning.

[0233] Such a system could be implemented for warning signs (turns, hills,
etc.) or the like. For example, the image sensor and headlamp control may
be operable to detect and recognize a railroad crossing sign and further
recognize that the railroad crossing sign is activated (such as by
distinguishing the flashing lights characteristic of a railroad crossing
signal) due to an approaching train. The accessory module could then warn
the driver that the vehicle is approaching a dangerous condition.
Additionally, the image sensor and headlamp control may be operable to
detect other signals, such as a school bus stopping signal or a
pedestrian road crossing signal or the like.

[0234] The accessory module of the present invention may include, such as
on the printed circuit board (such as on a generally flat circuit board
of the type discussed above with respect to accessory modules 1010,
1110), a photo sensor, preferably a photo transistor or photo diode,
which is responsive to ambient light levels. The printed circuit board
may be operable to dim the display intensity of a display of the
accessory module during night time driving conditions or other darkened
conditions where excessive brightness or glare of the display may be
distracting or annoying to the driver of the vehicle. Alternately, the
circuitry could be connected to the instrument panel wiring and may be
operable to dim the instrument panel lights to provide instrument panel
dimming during darkened conditions.

[0235] The accessory module of the present invention may include
electrochromic control circuitry for controlling the reflectivity of an
electrochromic mirror. The circuitry may include a rearward viewing glare
detector or sensor and a forward viewing and/or sideward viewing ambient
light detector or sensor, such as described in U.S. Pat. No 4,793,690,
which is hereby incorporated herein by reference, or may include a single
sensor, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,193,029, which is hereby
incorporated herein by reference. The output of the circuitry may control
an outside electrochromic mirror as well as the interior rearview
electrochromic mirror. It is further envisioned that the circuitry may
control an outside electrochromic minor, while the interior rearview
mirror assembly mounted at the accessory module may be a prismatic
mirror, without affecting the scope of the present invention. Further,
automatic dimming circuitry used in the electrochromic mirror assembly
may utilize one or more (typically two) photo sensors to detect glaring
and/or ambient lighting. For example, a silicon photo sensor, such as a
TSL235R Light-to-Frequency converter (available from Texas Advanced
Optoelectronic Solutions Inc. of Plano, Tex.), can be used as such photo
sensors. Such light-to-frequency converters comprise the combination of a
silicon photodiode and a current-to-frequency converter on a single
monolithic CMOS integrated circuit.

[0236] Optionally, the accessory module may include a microphone or a
plurality of microphones or a sound acquisition system, such as described
in commonly assigned, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,243,003 and 6,278,377, and/or U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 09/466,010, filed Dec. 17, 1999, now U.S.
Pat. No. 6,420,975, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference,
which may detect audible signals from a remote source, such as a railroad
crossing signal or train whistle. The system may then be operable to
further determine whether the railroad crossing signal is activated, by
visually and/or audibly recognizing the condition, and to provide a
warning to the driver of the subject vehicle that the vehicle is
approaching a railroad track with an oncoming train.

[0237] In many new vehicles, the headlamps are high intensity discharge
headlamps, which require that the headlamps be directed generally
parallel to the road, in order to prevent the headlamps from being
directed toward the eyes of drivers in oncoming traffic. The headlamp
control of the present invention may be operable to detect whether the
headlamps are directed more toward the sky or toward the road and then
automatically adjust them to make them generally parallel to the road.
Additionally, the headlamp control may be operable to control the
attitude of the vehicle and/or the pitch of the vehicle in response to a
detection of the direction in which the headlamps are directed.

[0238] The present invention further includes an interior rearview mirror
assembly which is mounted to an interior surface of the windshield or at
the headliner of the vehicle. The interior rearview mirror assembly may
comprise a prismatic mirror or an electrochromic mirror, such as an
electrochromic mirror assembly and electrochromic element utilizing
principles disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,140,455;
5,151,816; 6,178,034; 6,154,306; 6,002,544; 5,567,360; 5,525,264;
5,610,756; 5,406,414; 5,253,109; 5,076,673; 5,073,012; 5,117,346;
5,724,187; 5,668,663; 5,910,854; 5,142,407 or 4,712,879, which are hereby
incorporated herein by reference, or as disclosed in the following
publications: N. R. Lynam, "Electrochromic Automotive Day/Night Mirrors",
SAE Technical Paper Series 870636 (1987); N. R. Lynam, "Smart Windows for
Automobiles", SAE Technical Paper Series 900419 (1990); N. R. Lynam and
A. Agrawal, "Automotive Applications of Chromogenic Materials", Large
Area Chromogenics: Materials and Devices for Transmittance Control, C. M.
Lampert and C. G. Granquist, EDS., Optical Engineering Press, Wash.
(1990), which are hereby incorporated by reference herein, and in U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 09/792,002, filed Feb. 26, 2001, now U.S.
Pat. No. 6,690,268, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
Optionally, a pod attachment, such as the type disclosed in U.S. Pat.
Nos. 5,576,687 and 5,708,410, which are hereby incorporated herein by
reference, may attach to the rearview mirror assembly.

[0239] The electrochromic mirror element may comprise a pair of
substrates, and with the rear surface of the rear substrate (commonly
referred to as the "fourth surface" of the reflective element) having a
silver reflective coating (that itself may have a copper coating and
paint coating applied thereto for corrosion protection) deposited
thereon, most commonly using wet chemical silvering, as known in the
mirror making art. Optionally, the mirror element may comprise a
polymeric reflective film that may be applied to the rear surface of the
rear substrate of the electrochromic element after the pair of substrates
have been joined to form the electrochromic cell of the electrochromic
mirror element. Such a reflective film may comprise a polymeric
reflective film, such as an all polymer-thin-film multilayer, high
reflective mirror film, such as a multilayer, non-metallic reflective
film which may comprise multiple coextrusion of many plastic layers to
form a highly reflective mirror film. Such a reflective film thus may
comprise multilayers of polymer materials to form a highly reflective
mirror film, such as a Radiant Light Film, a Radiant Mirror

[0240] Film or a Radiant Color Film, such as commercially available from
3M of St. Paul, Minn., such as a Radiant Color Film CM590 or CM500.

[0241] The reflective polymeric film may be provided in a reel or roll
form or strip and may be attached or applied to the rear surface of the
rear substrate, such as via laminating or adhering the film to the
substrate material using optical adhesive and/or via rolling or ironing
the film or sheet (preferably at an elevated temperature and with vacuum
assist) onto the substrate surface, to secure the reflective film to the
substrate. It is envisioned that the reflective polymeric film may be
unwound or unrolled and applied along an extruded substrate material as
the substrate material is generally continuously extruded or cast during
a generally continuous extrusion or casting process. The substrate
material may then be cut, such as via laser cutting, after the reflective
polymeric film is applied thereto to form the rear substrate.

[0242] Optionally, the cutting process may occur after an anti-abrasion
film or the like is applied to the opposite surface of the substrate
material, such as an anti-abrasion film applied to the opposite surface
via unrolling and applying the film to the extruded substrate material as
the substrate material is generally continuously extruded. The
anti-abrasion coated film may thus be laminated to or adhered to or
otherwise secured to the front surface of the rear substrate, while the
reflective film is applied to the rear surface of the rear substrate.
Optionally, a hydrophobic or hydrophilic film may also or otherwise be
applied to the substrate. The reflective polymeric film, the
anti-abrasion film and the substrate material may all be formed of the
same resin to match coefficients of thermal expansion and thus reduce
thermal expansion/contraction mismatches between the materials. Of
course, it is envisioned that such reflective films or reflective systems
may be used for prismatic mirrors as well. In such applications, a glass
prism may be formed and the reflective film or reflective polymeric film
may be applied to a second or rear surface thereof.

[0243] Optionally, the interior rearview mirror assembly may comprise a
transflective one way mirror, such as disclosed in commonly assigned U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/054,633, filed Jan. 22, 2002, now U.S.
Pat. No. 7,195,381, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
Preferably, the mirror reflective element (behind which the video display
screen is disposed so that the image displayed is visible by viewing
through the mirror reflective element) of the interior mirror assembly
comprises a transflective mirror reflector such that the mirror
reflective element is significantly transmitting to visible light
incident from its rear (i.e. the portion furthest from the driver in the
vehicle), with at least about 15% transmission preferred, at least about
20% transmission more preferred and at least about 25% transmission most
preferred, while. simultaneously, the mirror reflective element is
substantially reflective to visible light incident from its front (i.e.
the position closest to the driver when the interior mirror assembly is
mounted in the vehicle), with at least about 60% reflectance preferred,
at least about 70% reflectance more preferred and at least about 75%
reflectance most preferred. Preferably, a transflective electrochromic
reflective mirror element is used (such as is disclosed in U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/793,002, filed Feb. 26, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No.
6,690,268 and in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,668,663 and 5,724,187, the entire
disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein) that
comprises an electrochromic medium sandwiched between two substrates.

[0244] The interior rearview mirror assembly may include a display on
demand (DOD) display (such as disclosed in commonly assigned, U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/054,633, filed Jan. 22, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No.
7,195,381, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/793,002, filed Feb. 26,
2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,690,268, and in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,668,663 and
5,724,187, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by
reference herein) which comprises two displays located in the mirror
assembly. When the left turn signal is turned on, a blind spot/lane
change aid camera view or hazard indication may be displayed in the
mirror (preferably via a display on demand indicia or display) on the
right hand side. This is because the view in the mirror on the left hand
side is more critical to the driver of the vehicle when making a left
hand turn. The opposite would be true with right turn signal. However,
the signals may be displayed on the other sides as well, without
affecting the scope of the present invention. For example, when the left
turn signal is activated, the blind spot camera view or hazard indication
may be displayed in the mirror (preferably via a display on demand
indicia or display) on the left hand side. Optionally, the mirror may
include a display portion at the right hand side of the mirror which is
angled or canted relative to the main reflective surface of the mirror,
such that the angled display portion is canted toward the driver of the
vehicle to enhance viewing of the angled display portion by the driver,
such as the display type disclosed in commonly assigned, U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/793,002, filed Feb. 26, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No.
6,690,268, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

[0245] The display can also be accomplished when a single large display is
used in interior rearview mirror (such as via a DOD indicia or display)
where only a portion of the display is activated to show the image. This
can also be accomplished with displays located on the ends of the mirror
surface (such as non-DOD displays). In this case the blind spot image
would be displayed on the same side as the turn indicated.

[0246] The interior rearview mirror assembly may include a single large
display, which provides a display surface behind the whole mirror surface
that allows images, icons, text, etc. to be placed anywhere on the
viewable mirror surface.

[0247] Also, any of the vehicular accessories disclosed above, such as
interior rearview mirror assemblies and accessory modules, such as
windshield electronic modules, and having at least a portion with a view
through the front windshield of the vehicle, can include ultra small
information displays, such as are disclosed in U.S. provisional
application Ser. No. 60/314,457, entitled VEHICLE INFORMATION DISPLAY,
filed Aug. 23, 2001; and in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/225,851,
filed Aug. 22, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,847,487, the entire disclosures
of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. Such ultra-small
displays may be of a transmissive-type or a reflective type. For example,
the ultra small liquid crystal display (LCD) available from Kopin
Corporation of Taunton, Mass. is a transmissive type. Kopin Corporation
utilizes silicon-on-insulator SOI wafers to build transmissive displays.
Kopin Corporation's product utilizes thin monocrystal silicon thin film
transistors Si-TFT of several microns peeled off from the circuit board
to filter out light, and employs a field sequential method, which shows
images in accordance with sequentially changing red, green, and blue. The
display has a high degree of transmissivity because it does not need
color filters. Image quality depends on color purity of the light
emitting diode used as the illumination source.

[0248] The micro-display may be used as a gauge (replace TFT because do
not have to cut TFT glass to fit, just the screen glass).

[0249] The present invention may further include an electronic field
sensor (EFS) which is operable to: sense motion; detect when motion
stops, in order to prevent SID/Sleep Apnea; and/or sense intrusion.

[0250] The EFS may be combined with Thermile Pile (FOV or multiple
sensors); with image sensor (all types) (FOV or multiple sensors); with a
microphone; and/or with Smart Release (FOV or multiple sensors).

[0251] The sensor design (size, shape, type, material, # of sensors,
sensitivity, etc.) may be adjusted or adapted depending on the particular
vehicle or application of the EFS.

[0252] Examples of electronic field sensors are disclosed in commonly
assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/992,119, filed Nov. 14,
2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,768,420, which is hereby incorporated herein by
reference.

[0253] The present invention further provides for a combination of
multiple features (i.e. rain, headlamp, etc.) in a single chip/sensor of
the accessory module or interior rearview mirror assembly.

[0254] Changes and modifications in the specifically described embodiments
can be carried out without departing from the principles of the present
invention, which is intended to be limited only by the scope of the
appended claims, as interpreted according to the principles of patent
law.